Blog Image

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 by JadwigaPosted 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! 🌿💚



Vitamin D Deficiency Crisis

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted 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! 🌞

Read the full study here


World Suicide Prevention Day: How to Spot Low Mood and Reach Out with Compassion 🧡

General Health & Wellbeing, Personal stories Posted by JadwigaPosted on Fri, August 23, 2024 01:19PM

by Sally Race

Every year, World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a poignant reminder that each one of us has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. In a world where mental health struggles often remain hidden behind smiles and social facades, it is crucial to become more aware of the subtle signs of distress in those around us. This awareness can empower us to offer the support that could potentially save a life.

Recognising the Signs of Low Mood

Low mood is often the precursor to more severe mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. Recognising it in someone can be challenging, especially when they may be trying to conceal their feelings. However, there are key signs to look out for:

1. Changes in Behaviour: One of the most noticeable indicators is a shift in a person’s usual behaviour. They may become withdrawn, avoiding social interactions they once enjoyed. Alternatively, they might display sudden irritability or anger, reacting more strongly to situations than they typically would.

2. Loss of Interest: A person experiencing low mood may lose interest in activities they previously found pleasurable. Hobbies, work, or even spending time with loved ones may no longer hold the same appeal.

3. Physical Symptoms: Sometimes, emotional distress manifests physically. Look out for signs such as changes in sleep patterns, whether that be insomnia or excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches and pains.

4. Expressing Hopelessness: If someone begins to talk about feeling hopeless, helpless, or trapped, take it seriously. Phrases like “What’s the point?” or “I just can’t see a way out” are red flags that they might be experiencing deep despair.

5. Decline in Self-Care: Neglecting personal hygiene or a noticeable lack of care in appearance can also be indicative of a low mood. It may reflect a loss of motivation or a sense that they no longer see value in taking care of themselves.

How to Reach Out and Offer Support

If you suspect someone you care about is struggling, reaching out to them can feel daunting. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse. However, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Here are some compassionate ways to approach the conversation:

1. Choose the Right Moment: Find a quiet, private place where you can talk without interruptions. Timing is also important; try to choose a moment when the person seems more relaxed, if possible.

2. Express Your Concern Gently:  Start the conversation by expressing your concern in a non-judgmental way. You might say something like, “I’ve noticed that you’ve seemed a bit down lately, and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay?”

3. Listen Without Judgement: If they open up, listen to them without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, just having someone listen can provide a tremendous sense of relief. Avoid making assumptions or minimising their feelings, as this can lead to them shutting down.

4. Offer Your Support: Let them know you’re there for them, whatever they’re going through. Simple statements like “You’re not alone” or “I’m here for you, no matter what” can be incredibly powerful.

5. Encourage Professional Help: While your support is invaluable, encourage them to seek professional help as well. You could say, “Have you thought about talking to a therapist or counsellor? I could help you find someone if you’d like.”

6. Follow Up: After your initial conversation, continue to check in with them. Letting them know that your concern wasn’t just a one-off will reinforce that they are valued and supported.

The Importance of Self-Care

Supporting someone in distress can be emotionally draining, so it’s crucial to take care of your own mental health as well. Ensure you have your own support system in place, whether that be friends, family, or a therapist. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Final Thoughts

World Suicide Prevention Day is a time for all of us to reflect on the ways we can support those around us. By learning to recognise the signs of low mood and reaching out with compassion, we can each play a part in preventing suicide. Your words and actions, no matter how small they may seem, could make all the difference in someone’s life.

Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to offer support—you just have to care. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Take care of yourself and those around you, Sally 🧡



Mind Your Weight at Acorn

General Health & Wellbeing, Personal stories, Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, July 30, 2024 11:24AM

by Jan Cooper, Nutritional Therapist

You’ve probably noticed Mind Your Weight at Acorn and wondered if it’s for you. We’re not your run of the mill diet group, or about making you feel hungry and depriving yourself, we are all about understanding what to eat, and when and how to eat it so that you lose weight sustainably and keep it off for the long term. Isn’t that what most people want? You might have a few pounds to lose so you fit into your clothes more comfortably or you might feel you’ve lost control and have really piled the weight on over the years – wherever you are, we’re here to help.

We are Sally (Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Jan (Nutritional Therapist), and have been running Mind Your Weight for a while now and are seeing some great results, but don’t just take our word for it…

Read about C who has been coming to MYW since February. When C first joined Mind Your Weight, she was facing a frustrating challenge many women experience around menopause—persistent weight gain, especially around her middle. Despite being diligent with exercise and previous attempts to lose weight, the stubborn pounds just wouldn’t budge.

C came into the program with an open mind and ready to try something new. She was open to leaving behind the typical weight loss advice she had always followed, like low-fat diets, calorie counting, and cutting down portion sizes. Instead, she was eager to discover a different approach. She embraced the Mind Your Weight program and learned so much about food, her body, and her mind. Here’s what she discovered:

I learnt which foods to eat and why they were beneficial for me. I started to understand the nutritional value of these foods and how they contributed to my overall health. I learnt exactly what to put on my plate!

The program taught me about how the body functions and why certain weight loss methods work and why some result in rebound weight gain. This all helped me to make smarter choices and feel more confident in what to eat.

They taught us about the psychological side of eating – why we sometimes make unhealthy choices or fall into habits that don’t support our weight loss. It’s all about learning practical techniques to help keep us on the right path. This made it easier for me to stay on track and make better decisions.

The most exciting part was how it helped me integrate new, healthy habits into my everyday life. These changes didn’t feel like a struggle or a strict diet—they became part of my everyday routine and made me feel great too!

I lost 7 kilograms (over a stone) in 4 months without ever feeling like I was on a diet. It wasn’t a quick fix and as the weight gradually came off, I felt healthier and that I was developing lasting habits.

C’s experience of Mind Your Weight is a wonderful example of how a holistic approach to weight management can make a real difference. By focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of eating, she was able to change her relationship with food and embrace a healthier lifestyle. C is happy that she is now much more in control of her weight and body shape and is confident in her ability to keep it off for good. The bonus is that she’s also healthier too!

Find out more about Mind Your Weight at Acorn


« PreviousNext »