Back To School from a Natural Perspective

One of the big topics on all parents' minds at the moment is the transition back to school and how it will affect their children.

In Organico Health Shop in Bantry we are innundated with queries from parents about how best to support their children at this time. There are often two areas they are worried about, firstly their child's nutritional health and protection from infection, and secondly their emotional well-being.

Over the summer most children eat well. However, there is less fresh fruit available in the winter, and often being at school all day does not improve your child's diet. What we reccomend if parents are concerned about their child may not be getting all the fruit and vegetables they need is a fantastic liquid vitamin tonic called 'Kindervital' by Salus Haus, a German company with a fantastic reputation for quality health tonics. Kindervital's vitamins and nutrients are blended in a natural fruit juice and herb base, which both aids absorption and is tasty and tempting to even the pickiest of children. Kindervital contains calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, D, C, and B Vitamins. These are all vital for energy, protection against infections, proper growth and development and brain function and development. Kindervital also contains naturally occurring carotenes which are involved with the growth and repair of tissue and are a source of betacarotene, a powerful antioxidant. It increases the number of white blood cells and protects the lining of the lungs and ear canal making it important against recurrent infections.

On another level, the beginning of the school term can cause many children to feel anxious and this can impact on their sleep patterns and their energy levels. A good remedy for the transition period is made by Bach Flower Remedies and is called Walnut.

Flower remedies are very safe and can be used by all the family. The Bach center recommends Walnut as the perfect remedy for times of change and transition, 'from being born to teething to going to school to puberty to marriage to childbearing to retirement and beyond'. It is described as 'helping to break links with the past so that the person can move forward with confidence and without undue suffering'.
On a final note, sometimes parents are coming into talk to us not just about their children's health and wellbeing but about their own! Obviously, from the quote above Walnut can be used effectively by parents as well during this stressful time.

Naturally you should always consult a qualified medical practitioner for any chronic health conditions.


Organico Shop, Glengarriff Rd., Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland. Phone +353 (0)27 51391

Neem

Neem: The Village pharmacy

In India neem is refered to as the 'village pharmacy' because it can be used for diseases and disorders ranging from bad breath and mouth ulcers to bedbugs and maleria. Modern scientist are findinfg even more uses for this remarkable tree. the seeds and leaves contain antiseptic and anti-viral compounds, and it has been found to have anti-fungal and anti-inflamatory uses. According to the book 'Neem: the Ultimate Herb' by John Conrick, preliminary studies on neem suggest that it can be used in treating herpes (recent tests in germany show that neem extracts are toxic to the herpes virus and can aid in rapid healing of cold sores); as an insect repellent (studies have shown that it is more effective in repeling insects that DEET!) and also to treat maleria.


Neem or Azadirachta Indica is a large, evergreen tree and is native to India and Burma and a relative of mahogony. It has been grown for centuries in India where it is prized for the shade it provides. Only recently available in the west, Nem has long been used in Ayurveda.
All the parts of the plant possess a lot of significant active pharmacological properties. Neem is bitter and alterative, it is used as a poultice in boils, is antiseptic, demulcent, a tonic for catarrhal affections, as a calming influence on the stomach, and as a stimulant. It is useful in rheumatism, as a pain killer, antibacterial, antiviral, and in skin diseases.

Skin Diseases

One of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifiers in Ayurvedic usage, Neem is ver useful as an aid to maintain healthy skin. In cases of psoriasis neem seed oil and leaf etracts have been used successfully to relieve the itching and pain while reducing the scales and redness. Scientific studies indicate that Neem boosts the immune system by energizing lymphocytes cells to respond to infection and other challenges to the body's immunity. Neem has also been shown to be highly effective in treating skin disorders like acne, excema, itching, dandruff and warts.
Herb of the Month

Neem Preparations

In Organico, we sell Neem preparations by an American company called 'TheraNeem'. They supply high quality neem as leaf capsules, oil, tincture, and a range of creams and soaps made from the seed oil and leaf. They source their neem oil from a compsny in India that supplies wildcrafted neem, and their leaf from an Organic farm in Mexico.

Always consult a qualified medical practitioner!

Organico Shop, Glengarriff Rd., Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland. Phone +353 (0)27 51391