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Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

http://www.ilkleycomplementarytherapies.co.uk/

Ilkley Complementary Therapies, 2 Castle Hill, Ilkley (2026)

04/01/2026

Happy New Year: 2026

I’ve long shared about the benefits of aligning our lives with the seasons. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the new year is still winter — a time for hibernation & reflection.

So, instead of setting big resolutions (that rarely last), try softer intentions and save goal setting for the Lunar New Year (17 Feb) or Spring.
Think small winter rituals to spark bigger commitments later on. Eg.

Mind: Journal or inspirational reading before media in the morning

Body: regular slow walks, gentle movement, earlier nights

Home: soft lighting, smaller nutrient dense meals, clearing one small space

Connection: a voice note, a handwritten card, a cosy catch up

January isn’t about doing more. It’s about honouring the season you’re in.

Please share in the comments your rituals.

28/12/2025

Despite our best intentions, the festive season tempts us all with indulgent treats.

Overdoing it can lead to indigestion, bloating, nausea, headaches and more. Don’t worry—herbs to the rescue!

Here are a few herbs you might already have or can easily grab from the supermarket:

Peppermint tea
Reduces bloating, nausea, and indigestion.

Ginger tea or fresh
Eases nausea, boosts digestion, and reduces bloating.

Dandelion Root tea
Supports your liver and gallbladder while gently detoxifying.

Fennel or Coriander tea, chew the seeds or add to food.
Relieves gas, bloating and indigestion.

Chamomile tea
Soothes your stomach, reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation.

Turmeric (in tea, milk, or food)
Helps your liver and reduces inflammation.

Cinnamon (in coffee, milk, or food)
Improves digestion and boost circulation.

Holy Basil (Tulsi) tea
Reduces stress, inflammationand helps your liver recover from oxidative damage.

Rosemary (in tea or food)
Improves circulation and helps shake off that hangover fog.

Practical Tips
Take herbs before a meal / drink in preparation or right after and when discomfort starts.
Stay hydrated with plenty of water or herbal teas.
Skip more alcohol until your body feels better.

Which herb is your go-to? I’d love to hear in the comments.

Enjoy the festivities. 🎄💫

21/12/2025

Christmas herbs

Traditionally herbs have been part of winter rituals — used to protect, purify, soothe & bring hope during the darkest days.

Frankincense
Tea/Steam: calms mind, eases tension, supports meditation & sleep, clears congestion
Topical: diluted in carrier oil for skin, scars, blemishes & sore muscles/joints

Myrrh
Tea/Steam: similar to frankincense
Topical: antifungal & antiviral; diluted for skin or muscle aches

Mistletoe
Use only under a Medical Herbalist. Supports nervous & cardiovascular systems; eases tension & stress

Sage
Tea: digestive support, sore throats, hot flushes, mental clarity
Topical: cooled infusion for skin, minor cuts, tired feet & scalp

Rosemary
Tea: focus & memory
Topical: hair rinse or compress for tired muscles

Cinnamon
Tea: warming & digestive aid
Topical: diluted oil for cold, stiff muscles

Clove
Tea: grounding & digestive aid
Topical: diluted oil for sore muscles or gums

Nutmeg
Tea: relaxation & digestive aid
Topical: diluted oil for tense muscles or abdomen

Pine & Fir
Tea: lung & immune support (safe species only)
Topical: steam or chest compress for congestion

Bay
Tea: warmth & digestive aid
Topical: massage oil for joints; used in rituals

Which Christmas herb do you love most & how do you use it? Share in the comments!

15/12/2025

Clicking, Collecting. �Dashing around. � Popping from shop to shop.
Parcels arrive. Unbox, wrap.
Cook. Clean. Decorate.�
Show up at events and burn the candle at both ends.
Do one more thing for work.
�Be the host with most. Do it all.

And, it becomes too much.

So often we do all of it not because it brings us joy�but because we’re afraid of what others might think if we don’t.

�We say yes when we’re tired.� We overdeliver when we’re already stretched.� We perform the season instead of living it.

This is where Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory comes in.

Let them think the house could be tidier, more designer like or cleaner
Let them judge the ready meal / shop bought food .
Let them raise an eyebrow at your boundaries
�Let them have their opinions.
Let them wait until next year for that one more work deliverable ( negotiate it).

You get to choose what’s manageable, what feels good, �what actually matters to you.
Peace doesn’t come from getting more done, �it comes from deciding what you’re willing to let go of and doing so.

If this resonates, explore more from Mel Robbins at melrobbins.com�

Selfcare this week :
Name one or more things you’re doing out of fear of judgement� and give yourself permission to let it go.

Enjoy the season doing what you love with the people you love.

07/12/2025

Last weekend I was hit with a stomach bug followed by a cold over the week. Selfcare has been taking my own Herbal Medicine.

Here are my go-to remedies that you can follow if and when you get a cold.

YEP Tea Blend (Yarrow • Elderflower • Peppermint)
A classic herbalist combination for when your system needs support:

Yarrow – reduces fever, increases circulation & eases digestive cramping.
Elderflower – essential for upper respiratory conditions easing congestion & supporting the immune response.
Peppermint – settles nausea, relaxes the digestive tract, eases headaches & clears congestion.

Fresh garlic
A natural antimicrobial, helping to overcome infections.
Mix into hummus, salad dressings and sauces. Make bruschetta and garlic bread.

Italian-ish soups
Think tomato, minestrone or any broth made with lots of herbs:
• Rosemary – clears head congestion, supports circulation & eases fatigue.
• Thyme – effective for coughs, wheezing and asthma. Antimicrobial & antiviral.
• Basil – calming for digestion and inflammation.
• Marjoram – soothing, supports immunity & helps ease congestion.
• Oregano – strong antimicrobial & antiviral.

And of course: rest & quality sleep
The simplest medicine and the one we often skip.
Diffuse aromatherapy oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, thyme and rosemary in your bedroom to help ease congestion for good sleep. You can also drop some of these onto a cotton pad and place under your pillow.

If you’re under the weather too, I hope you’re resting and nourishing yourself today.

23/11/2025

Now the clocks have gone back and the evenings are drawing in, many of us feel our energy dip. Shorter days with less light and warmth can lead to low motivation and mood.

If you are feeling this way, now is the ideal time to follow the Ayurveda principles of aligning routines and tasks to the body’s natural daily cycle. You’ll find that vitality soon returns.

Early morning (Vatta time:2.00am – 6am)
Creativity and clarity awaken.

Morning (Kapha time: 6am–10am)
Gentle movement, grounding routines and a nourishing breakfast help awaken the body without force.

Midday (Pitta time :10am–2pm)
Your digestion and focus are at their peak. This is the best time for your main meal, deeper work, decision-making and learning.

Afternoon (Vata time: 2pm –6pm)
Your creativity and imagination increase. This is the perfect time for lighter tasks, collaboration and inspired thinking.

Evening (Kapha time: 6–10pm)
Wind down. Eat a light dinner. Reduce stimulation. Let the body shift naturally toward rest.

Night (Pitta time: 10pm–2am)
The body cleanses, repairs, and restores — true healing hours. Sleeping before 10pm supports this process.

Honour your inner clock by eating, working, learning and resting in harmony with these rhythms so the body stops struggling and vitality emerges.

How will incorporate these times into your schedule. We’d love to hear in the comments.

09/11/2025

A little nostalgia boost

I visited the two older kids in London this weekend and called into Brickwood for brunch where I found a little slice of Australia in Clapham.

There it was on the table, a classic Milo tin! Instantly I was transported back to childhood afternoons sharing chocolate milk with neighbourhood friends and teenage weekends munching on Milo bars between netball matches.

It reminded me how powerful it can be to reminisce — to reconnect with joyful memories. Reflecting on happy times isn’t just comforting; it can:

Boost your mood and reduce stress
Strengthen your sense of identity and belonging
Help you feel grateful for the past and present

So, here’s a little wellbeing prompt for today:
What joyful memory can you revisit?

02/11/2025

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble. What’s brewing?

As an herbalist (sometimes known as a white witch) I use plants to heal. Interestingly many herbs once used to ward off evil witches and spirits are used today for their healing magic. A few favourites include:

Fennel – hung over doors to keep witches away.
Today: A digestive herb that eases bloating, wind, and indigestion.
Sautee fresh fennel and add to sauces, soups and stews. Roast as a side or thinly slice in a salad with a lemon & olive oil dressing. Use seeds in rubs, salads, dukkah and tea.

Garlic – for courage and protection from evil.
Today: A natural antibiotic if eaten fresh in pesto, hummus, on a bruschetta or in dressings. Also useful for heart and respiratory health.

Oregano – to guard against evil spirits.
Today: An antimicrobial. Consume as a tea, in soups, sauces, stews and on roasted vegetables.

Elder – thought to house a wise spirit; branches were hung to protect the home.
Today: Elderflowers & berries are antivirals for colds and flu. Have flowers as a tea or cordial and berries as a syrup.

Mistletoe – a charm against witchery and now a symbol of love and peace.
Today: A qualified medical herbalist may use it for certain cardiovascular, nervous and immune system conditions.

May herbs heal your aliments and protect your home this season.

How do you use these magical plants? Share in the comments.

26/10/2025

It was World Osteoporosis Day on 20 Oct .

After breaking some bones over the past few years, I’ve become more passionate about bone health and how much it’s influenced by our daily choices and not just age or genetics. Key areas to focus on include:

Move to strengthen bones (& muscles)
�Weight bearing & resistance exercises like brisk walking, climbing stairs, weight training, dancing, trampolining, Pilates or yoga for balance.

Eat to protect bone density�
At every meal, prioritise protein, calcium, boron and vitamins D & K from foods like dairy or fortified milks, leafy greens, broccoli, soy products, beans and lentils, oily fish, eggs, nuts & seeds.

Did you know? �Studies show eating 6 prunes daily may help maintain bone density in postmenopausal women.

A drop in oestrogen during menopause can reduce bone density so start early for prevention but it’s never too late to make changes and improve from where you are.
Always check with your doctor before starting new exercise or diet routines.

As an Herbalist I use food as medicine so I’d be happy to help you design your own Strong Bones Nutrition Plan.

What do you want to start integrating into your routines? We’d love to hear your ideas.

19/10/2025

International Menopause Day: 18 October 2025

As a medical herbalist, I don’t just prescribe herbs to support people, I also use food, movement, rest, relationships and mindset as powerful forms of medicine.

That’s why I was delighted to see that this year’s International Menopause Day focuses on “The Role of Lifestyle Medicine in Menopausal Health.”

The theme is based on a new White Paper reviewing non-pharmacologic interventions which recognise how everyday choices can make a profound difference to peri/menopausal wellbeing. Read it here: https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2025/resources/ and download factsheets on Diet, Movement, Sleep, Relationships, Mental wellbeing.

Making intentional lifestyle choices during early perimenopause can make a huge difference in how smoothly your body transitions into the next phase of life.

Menopause is a natural transition, so the key is to work with your body, not against it and to give it the nourishment, rest and balance it needs. As Dr Mindy Pelz says “Menopause isn’t the end of your story. It’s the turning point…[delivering] greater confidence, clarity, and energy than you’ve felt in years.” https://www.drmindypelz.com/books

If you’d like help with a personalised plan, you can book an appointment with me or with my fellow practitioner Jenny Howarth (Homeopath, Flower Essence, Reiki and Bowen Technique practitioner).

Small, intentional changes can make a significant difference to your wellbeing and it’s encouraging to see this recognised globally.

12/10/2025

Giving Back

Today our Medical Herbalist, Julia Richards was at the Volunteer Fair hosted by Wharfedale & Silsden Community Partnership, in partnership with Ilkley Community Network and Bradford 2025, at the Clarke Foley Centre.

She attended as a Trustee of Ilkley Manor House helping to man their stand with their enthusiastic Volunteer Co ordinator. She said, it was lovely chatting with visitors, sharing what we do and hearing people’s stories about why and how they can volunteer. It a reminder of how beneficial volunteering can be, not just for the community but for our own wellbeing too. It provides:

Connection – meeting new people, feeling part of something bigger.
Purpose – doing something meaningful and seeing the difference it makes.
Growth – learning new skills and building confidence.
Feel-good factor – helping others genuinely lifts your mood and energy.

Research shows volunteering supports mental health, reduces stress, boosts happiness and helps us feel more connected and fulfilled.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, search online for charities in your area and find one that resonates for you. It might a health one that raises money for a condition a family member or friend is experiencing, an environmental issue you strongly about, preserving an historic building or monument for future generations to enjoy or furthering arts and culture to inspire others. Make contact with the charity, even a few hours can make a huge difference to you and the organisation.

05/10/2025

Building Your Immune Foundation for Cold and Flu Season

Lately, a few patients have been asking our Medical Herbalist, Julia Richards, for an immune tonic to prepare for the colder months.

There are many herbs that support immune health and they work in different ways. In herbal medicine they are often grouped as:

Immunostimulants — give the immune system a short, sharp boost when you’re fighting something off. Echinacea is a well known example.

Immunomodulators — help to balance and regulate immunity over time. Reishi mushrooms are effective.

Adaptogens — support the body’s stress response, improving resilience. Ashwagandha is a popular one.

In addition:
Anti inflammatories — calm excessive inflammation, reducing immune over reactivity. Turmeric and Licorice are often used.

Lymphatics — support natural detox and recovery by helping the body move waste and immune by-products efficiently. Calendula and Dandelion are amongst Julia's favourites.

The best immune formula is never a one size fits all. Each person needs a unique blend based on current health, stress, digestion and any medications. Book an appointment if you'd like your own unique prescription.

However, we can all start supporting our immunity through food:

Garlic, onions and leeks — rich in allicin - antimicrobial and antiviral.

Mushrooms (Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Oyster) — contain beta-glucans to improve resilience.

Herbs & spices — Turmeric balances inflammation, Thyme & Oregano fight microbes and Ginger boosts circulation & clears congestion.

Citrus, berries & kiwi — high in vitamin C and antioxidants to protect tissues during illness.

Leafy greens — packed with folate, magnesium & chlorophyll to keep immune cells functioning efficiently.

Nuts & seeds — rich in zinc (for immune cell growth) and vitamin E (for protection).

By weaving these foods into your meals, you’ll be giving your immune system the raw materials it needs to stay balanced, responsive and resilient this season.

We’d love to hear in the comments your favourite ways to enjoy these immune supporting foods!

Ilkley Complementary Therapies

04/01/2026

28/12/2025

21/12/2025

15/12/2025

07/12/2025

23/11/2025

09/11/2025

02/11/2025

26/10/2025

19/10/2025

12/10/2025

05/10/2025

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Monday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm