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Acorn Health Blog

What we love is great health...

...and we like to write about how we can all achieve better health, naturally. Sometimes tips on how you can DIY to better health and sometimes on the therapies that can make a difference to you, your health and wellbeing.
Thank you for reading, We hope you enjoy :)

Feverfew- a brief overview

General Health & Wellbeing Posted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:31AM

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of feverfew (Latin name Tanacetum parthenium), a herb celebrated for its long history and diverse uses. 🌼✨

A Journey Through Time

Feverfew has been cherished for centuries across various herbal traditions. In Western herbalism, it’s known for its role in treating headaches and migraines. Ancient Greeks used feverfew to alleviate fevers (hence the name), and it was a staple in medieval herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

In folklore, feverfew was revered as a magical herb, believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits. This rich tapestry of use highlights feverfew’s deep-rooted connection to both health and mysticism.

What Does Feverfew Look Like?

Feverfew is a striking herb with delicate, feathery leaves and cheerful, daisy-like flowers. The plant typically grows to about 1-2 feet tall, with bright green, deeply lobed leaves and small white or yellow flowers. It’s quite easy to spot in gardens and meadows during the summer months.

Where to Find It

Feverfew thrives in temperate climates and can often be found in herb gardens or as a wildflower. It’s also available in various forms at health food stores and online, including fresh leaves, dried herb, capsules, and tinctures.

How to Use Feverfew

Feverfew can be used in several ways:

  • Tea: Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea. It’s often consumed to help with headaches and digestive issues.
  • Capsules and Tablets: Convenient for those who prefer not to brew tea.
  • Tincture: A concentrated liquid form that can be added to water or taken directly.
  • Topical Use: The leaves can be crushed and applied to the skin to help with inflammation or minor skin irritations.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

While feverfew offers many benefits, it’s important to use it with care:

  • Allergies: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, especially if they’re sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (like daisies or marigolds).
  • Pregnancy: Avoid using feverfew during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
  • Blood Thinners: Feverfew might interact with anticoagulant medications, so consult with a healthcare provider if you’re on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.

Feverfew’s storied history and varied applications make it a fascinating herb with much to offer. Whether you’re looking to explore its traditional uses or incorporate it into your wellness routine, feverfew’s benefits are worth considering.

Happy exploring, and stay healthy! 🌿💚



Chakras: Unlocking Your Energy Centres

Workshops & Classes Posted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:26AM

Chakras, a cornerstone of many ancient traditions, are the energy centres within our bodies that influence our overall well-being. Understanding and balancing these energy points can lead to profound improvements in both physical and emotional health.

What Are Chakras?

The term “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “disk,” reflecting their role as spinning energy centres. There are seven main chakras, each corresponding to specific aspects of our lives:

Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Located at the base of the spine, it is associated with grounding and stability.

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Situated in the lower abdomen, it governs creativity and emotional expression.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Found in the upper abdomen, it influences personal power and confidence.

Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Located in the centre of the chest, it is linked to love and compassion.

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Positioned at the throat, it relates to communication and self-expression.

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Located between the eyebrows, it is associated with intuition and insight.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – At the top of the head, it represents spiritual connection and enlightenment.

A Brief History

Chakra concepts have been integral to various ancient traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. In these traditions, maintaining balance within the chakras is believed to be crucial for health and spiritual growth. The idea has also permeated Western practices, integrating with modern wellness approaches.

Applications and Benefits

Balancing the chakras can lead to numerous benefits:

Improved Emotional Health: Harmonizing the chakras helps release blocked emotions and foster inner peace.

Enhanced Physical Health: Aligning the energy centres can contribute to overall physical vitality and reduce stress.

Increased Self-Awareness: Chakra work can heighten your awareness of personal needs and spiritual growth.

How to Work with Chakras

There are various techniques to balance and energize your chakras, including meditation, yoga, and crystal healing. Each method focuses on aligning the energy flow through specific practices tailored to the needs of each chakra.

If you find the concept of chakras intriguing and want to explore how to balance these energy centres further,



All about Homeopathy

Therapies Posted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:20AM

Homeopathy, a holistic approach to healing that has been around for over 200 years. Originating in the late 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like.” This means that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can, in very small doses, treat similar symptoms in someone who is unwell.

Principles of Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is built on three main principles:

  1. The Law of Similars: The core idea that “like cures like.”
  2. The Law of Infinitesimals: The belief that the more diluted a substance is, the more potent it becomes. Homeopathic remedies are often highly diluted to minimize side effects and to maximize therapeutic effects.
  3. The Law of Individualization: Each person is treated as a unique individual. Homeopathic practitioners carefully consider a patient’s specific symptoms and overall health to tailor treatments uniquely suited to them.

Uses of Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is used to address a variety of health conditions, from chronic illnesses like allergies, asthma, and arthritis to acute conditions such as colds, flu, and minor injuries. It is also often employed for mental and emotional well-being, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

What Makes Homeopathy Stand Out?
What sets homeopathy apart is its gentle, non-invasive nature. It aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing response rather than simply suppressing symptoms. The remedies are made from natural substances like plants, minerals, and animals, and are carefully chosen to match the individual needs of each patient.

Homeopathy is appreciated for its holistic approach, focusing not just on physical symptoms but also on the emotional and mental states of a person. It’s a treatment modality that respects the body’s innate ability to heal itself and promotes overall balance and wellness.

If you’re curious about how homeopathy could benefit you or want to learn more about this fascinating field,



Vitamin D Deficiency Crisis

General Health & Wellbeing Posted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:11AM

Vitamin D deficiency has now reached pandemic levels worldwide, and experts believe that inadequate sun exposure is a major contributing factor. Unlike most vitamins, vitamin D is not abundantly available in foods. Natural sources are scarce, and even fortified foods often fail to provide enough to meet the body’s needs.

Vitamin D is crucial for overall health, aiding in bone development and immune function. Deficiency can lead to rickets in children and increase the risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in adults. Moreover, low levels of vitamin D have been linked to higher risks of various diseases, including some cancers, autoimmune disorders, and infections.

Historically, humans relied on sunlight to fulfil their vitamin D requirements, but modern lifestyles and the push for sun protection have led to a dramatic increase in deficiency rates. In countries like Australia, where sun safety campaigns have been prominent, the result has been a noticeable rise in vitamin D deficiency.

To maintain optimal health, experts suggest a circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D above 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL). For those unable to get enough sun exposure, a daily intake of 800–1000 IU of vitamin D3 is recommended. While vitamin D2 can also be effective, it may require higher doses to achieve the same blood levels as D3.

With new research challenging outdated guidelines, it’s becoming clear that current recommendations for vitamin D intake might need revision. If you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, consider getting tested and consult with a healthcare provider about your options for supplementation and safe sun exposure.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t underestimate the power of the sun! 🌞



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