Natural Remedies

Organico.ie

2006-08-12T05:18:00.000-07:00

Ryder Cup Live

2006-08-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

The Ryder Cup has kicked off this morning and the weather has held off. The Ryder Diary
is covering the action live it's a great blog.

Technorati tags ryder cup, golf

Idiots Guide to Ryder Cup

2006-08-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Great idiots guide to the Ryder Cup over on www.ryderdiary.com
It's the ideal bluffers guide to the event - giving you the format, the venue, the players etc etc

Technorati tags ryder cup, golf

Spring DeTox from Organico Bantry

2006-02-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Springtime is the perfect time for starting a detox. The sap is rising and everything is coming back to life with the longer days. From a naturopathic perspective it is reccommended that we detox at least once or twice a year, preferably spring and autumn. Detoxing is especially reccommended if you:

1. Smoke
2. Drink more than one cup of coffee or cola per day,
3. Drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week
4. Suffer from PMS, regular colds or flues, or feel tired all the time
5. Are overweight, constipated, or feel bloated after eating

In Organico we reccommend people to work up to detoxing by first changing their diet and adding more water to their daily rutine. Dietary changes depend on the individual but usually include trying to limit or cut out coffee and tea (which may at first provoke a headache - in my experience thie is just something you have to live through); limit or cut out sugar (including sources of sugar such as potatoes and white bread and pasta), alcohol, and dairy products. As this is only a temporary diet there should be no health risks but obviously if you are unwell you should consulta a qualified practicioner before commencing. What you try to eat lots of is brown rice, organic vegetables, fish, seaweeds, warming soups from lentils and other pulses, and herbal teas and fresh juices. If you live in West Cork then come to Organico Cafe for lunch every day - we always have something on the menu suitable for detoxing!

The next stage is to chose herbal remedies suitable for aiding a detox programme. These can be as simple as a tea you drink morning and night. The tea that we reccommed in Organico Bantry is Flor Essence and is a sophisticated form of Essiac, a combination of herbs that is widely used to treat serious illnesses as well as to detox. In our experience this tea is gentle but very effective. We usually reccommend a healthy person to undertake a 3-week detox plan; the first week mostly preparing and then the second and third weeks taking Flor Essence twice per day while following the diet.

More information on detoxing and general health can be found on Dr. Elson Haas's website. In Organico Shop we sell all of Dr Haas's books - he really knows his stuff!

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

Ryder Cup Map

2005-12-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

If you're trying to get to the Ryder Cup in Straffan in September here's a link to a really good Ryder Cup Map
The same site also has the map of the Ryder Cup Road Closures and loads of other useful stuff on the Ryder Cup

Technorati tags ryder cup, golf

The only Organic Spot in Bantry!

2005-12-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

If you like Organic good food you must visit Organico Cafe, Shop, and Bakery in Bantry, West Cork. In Organico we specailise in offering an organic alternative wherever we can source one - that means our shop stocks everything from Organic foods to wines, fresh fruits and veggies right down to organic woolly socks! We also stock Dr Hauschka face and body products, baby care products, a huge range of supplements and herbal teas, capsules and tinctures. We are well known as the largest and best-stocked healthfood shop in West Cork.

Organico Cafe uses nearly 100% organic ingredients for its extensive range of fresh salads, hot meals and gourmet teas and coffees. Our menu changes regularly to reflect what is in season locally and what is available from local Irish organic producers. Our coffee is Fair Trade as well as being organic and we use Glenisk organic milk for our lattes!

Organico Bakery specialises in Organic Spelt breads and cakes. Spelt is an older form of wheat than durum wheat, which 99% of flour is made from. It has a much lower gluten content than durum wheat and a much higher vitamin and mineral content. This means that digesting foods made from spelt flour is much easier and gives us more nutritional value. Spelt cakes also taste great so it's the best choice all round!

Organico cafe is open from 10 - 6 Monday to Saturday and the shop is open 9.30 - 6 Monday to Saturday as well.

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

Dr Hauschka - Bantry

2005-12-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

Organico is delighted to have been selected to stock the much loved ‘Dr Hauschka’ range of cosmetics, which we launched with a delightful Beauty Morning in Organico Café. Mary Berkery from Heaven and Earth (the Distributers of Dr Hauschka in Ireland) Gave a really interesting seminar on the benefits of using a product that is entirely natural and designed to improve the condition of our skin instead its appearance. We also had an opportunity to try out all the products, which was great as it gives you an idea whether a product is for you or not without having to purchase it.

Dr Hauschka products have been around since the early 20th century, when Dr Rudolf Steiner's philosophy on humanith and health inspired his colleague Dr Rudolf Hauschka to develop a range of holistic herbal and homeopathic remedies which he termed 'anthroposophic'. In the 1960's called Elisabeth Sigmund worked with Dr Hauschka to extend this new approach to healthcare to cosmetics, and in 1967 the Dr Hauschka range of cosmetics began to be manufactured.

From then until now, Dr Hauschka products have grown in popularity and are now sold in over 20 countries. They are especially popular with a number of high profile celebrities like Madonna, Brad Pitt and Kate Moss.

Personally, what I love about the Dr Hauschka products is the combination of knowing that I am supporting a highly ethical and principled company and at the same time doing the best for my skin. Because of the connection to anthroposophy, Dr Hauschka chose all the ingredients for their healing and nourishing properties, the end result of which is a range of products that help improve all skin conditions, which is great for those of us who use the products. As well, and just as importantly, the philosophy behind Dr Hauschka products is such that the production methods are among the best in the world.

It's important to bear in mind that your skin is an organ and will absorb whatever you apply to it. Personally I'd prefer to be absorbing natural healing ingredients rather than the toxic bi-products of the petro-chemical industry!

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

Back To School from a Natural Perspective

2005-08-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

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

Flaxseed: a source of Omega 3

2005-07-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Flaxseed Oil and general HealthMany people think that avoiding all fat is the best way of staying healthy, but actually there are some substances found in 'good' fats that are essential to our heatlth. Scientists have designated Omega 3 and 6 'essential' fats, as our bodies cannot manufacture them - rather we need to have them as part of our daily diet. Unfortunately, many of us rely on processed foods and we rarely eat the amount of seeds, nuts or oily fish that we should, and hence we are chronically shory of these fats. What often hapens in the west is that our diets become too high in omega 6 and dangerously low in omega 3, when the real key to health from fats lies in ingesting the essential ones in the proper ratio. One way to do this is to use a product like Udo's 3•6•9 Oil Blend made by Flora in Canada.

Cancer Therapy
Flaxseeds and their oil have been shown to halp conditions that range from cancer to arthritis and heart disease. For over 30 years, German researcher Joanna Budwig has been promoting the use of flaxseed oil in cancer therapy. She now has over a thousand cases documented where flaxseed oil has been the main treatment used to 'cure' cancer (for information on Dr Budwig's protocol, click here). Recent research shows that alpha linoleic acids (found in flaxseed oil) kill cancer cells without harming the normal cells. For anyone diagnosed with cancer, whether they are using conventional or alternative treatment, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil should be seriously considered. Flax iol is also important for those of us without a serious diagnosis, omega fats are not called 'essesntial' for nothing! They are implicated in energy production, repair and maintenance of skin cells, hormonal balance and emotional balance amony many other things. In Organico we sell a lot of products containing essential fats to people with menopausal issues, arthritis or joint pain, or chronic skin problems such as psoriasis.

Dr.Johanna Budwig Blend:

Ingredients:

1 cup Organic cottage cheese or yoghurt
2-5 Tbsp. of flaxseed oil-
1-3 Tbsp. of freshly ground up flaxseed (electric coffee grinder ($15) works fine)
enough water to make it soft
little cayenne (red hot chilly pepper)

little red pepper

Blend and use as a spread!

Always consult a qualified medical practitioner!

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

Goldenseal

2005-07-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Belonging to the same family as the buttercup, goldenesal Hydrasis canadensis is a perennial herb native to north America. It gets its name from the rich yellow colour of its root and the small cup like scars found there, which resemble the wax seals used in the 19th century to close envelopes. It is a difficult plant to grow in cultivation, especially in the UK - most of the goldeneseal sold in Europe is imported dried or powderded from the US.

Ancient Origins

The dried root of Goldenseal has long been used to sooth inflamed or infected mucus membranes. The Cherokee, Iroquis and other native American tribes valued it as a remedy for anything from insect bites to bloating to eye infections and stomach aches. Numerous references to goldenseal as a strong tea for indigestion began to appear in medical writings as far back as the 1800's. These days it is considered by medical herbalists in Europe to be an inportant herb in the fight against infection, as it has immune boosting, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflamatory properties. It is good for colds, flus, dijestive disorders, urinary tract infections, eye infections, cold sores and gum disease.

Oganico stocks a powdered goldenseal from Munster Wholefoods, a tincture of goldenseal from Naturalife, and capsules by Lifeplan.

Medicinal Benefits

The active ingredients in goldenseal are the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine. These can be used to build up the immune system and to destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections. A daily dose of goldenseal at the first sign of cold symptoms can help it turning into a full blown cold by enhancing the activity of virus fighting white blood cells. Goldenseal is often used in conjunction with echinacea, as one seems to enhance the potenct of the other. It is often used in cases of mild urinary tract infections, and other mild bacterial infections such as cold sores.

Goldenseal is also used to sooth the dijestive tract in cases of vomiting and nausea, as it is thought to stimulate the dijestive sectretions and help to destroy bacteria that are causing the symptoms. Used as an eyewash, it can sooth conjunctivitis, and as a mouthwash it helps to sooth gum disease. In addition, goldenseal can be used to help a range of menopausal and menstrual problems. it combines well with chaste tree and is especially good for cooling hot flushes and night sweats.

Methods

To infuse goldenseal, use one teaspoon of the dried herd to 600 mls of water. Steep, then strain through muslin and leave to cool. The infusion can be used as an eye of mouth wash three times a day. Alternatively, use 2-3 mls of goldenseal tincture in a tumbler of warm water for mouth ulsers and gum disease.

Watch Point

Goldenseal should be taken only for the duration of an illness or complaint, and is best taken with meals. It is a uterine stimulant and should not be used during pregnancy, or by people with high blood pressure or glaucoma. It should not be given to children under the age of two.

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

Green Tea - more that just another cuppa!

2005-07-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

If you believe everything you read, Green Tea was "discovered" almost 5000 years ago by a chinese emperor. As he sat drinking his hot water tea leaves fell into his drink creating the refreshing drink we now know as Green Tea! Whatever the truth of this tale, Green tea does origninate in China and has been know for it's medicinal properties as well as it's refreshing taste for thousands of years.

Green Tea is made from the dried leaves of Camillia sinensis. This is the same plant that black tea is made from. It's the processing of the tea that differentiates them. The Green tea leaves are first steamed, then rolled and dried. The steaming kills off enzymes which prevents the tea from fermenting (as happens in tha making of black and oolong teas). This gives green tea it's unique flavour and also helps preserve the polyphenols in the tea, which are important antioxidants and are thought to help protect against cell damage.

The medicinal properties of green tea are mainly thought to be a function of the fact that it is a rich source of catechin polyphenols and particularly EGCG (epigallocatechingallate) which is believed to be a particularly effective anti-cancer compound. It is thought to help protect cells from damage and to also boost the body's production of antioxidant enzymes.

Organico stocks Clipper Organic Green Tea, Qi Green Tea, and Quest Green Tea Tablets.

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

Feverfew - a powerful natural remedy

2005-07-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

Migraine - if you don't suffer from it - you don't know what you're talking about! The collins dictionary definition is:

Migraine noun
A throbbing headache usually affecting only one side of the head and commonly accompanied by nausea and visual disturbances.

However, this is a pale discription of what can be a crippling and agonising condition for those who suffer from migraines. Nobody is quite sure what triggers migraines - partly because like many conditions the term migraine covers a mulitude of individual experiences. However the pain has been linked to the rapid constriction and subsequent dilation of blood vessels in the head. Feverfew contains partenolide which is believed to act as an inhibitor of the pathways that lead to the blood vessel contractions that are believed to be responsible for migraines.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an age old remedy for migraines. Feverfew belongs to the same family as the camomile and has a similar daisy-like flower. However, it's the leaves of the Feverfew plant which are used medicinally while the flowers have no health benefit. Feverfew is readily available in a number of forms; Tea, Capsule and Tablet. At Organico we stock Lifeplan Feverfew Capsules, Jan De Vries Tincture, Munster WholeFoods Loose Dried Herb and Weleda Feverfew 6X Tablets and Sona Feverfew Capsules.

Feverfew can be grown in your garden. It flourishes is well drained soil in partial shade. The fresh leaves can be chewed as a remedy, however the fresh leaves have been known to irritate the lining of the mouth.

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

Feverfew should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women and also by anyone taking warfarin or bloodthining drugs.

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

Consult a Qualified Medical Practitioner

2005-07-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

It sounds ridiculous, but I'm going to say it anyway! Here in Organico we ALWAYS advise that if you are having a health issue consult a qualified medical practitioner. You wouldn't take your brand new car to the local dentist for a service,(I'm hoping you'd have the sense to go to a qualified mechanic). Too many people take stupid risks when it comes to their own health and well-being and self medicate or take advice from friends and unqualified practitioners. While I am a strong advocate of alternative remedies and complimentary medicines I would strongly advise anyone with an ailment to consult both a qualified medical doctor and also seek advice from a qualified herabalist, homeopath or natrapath.

Your local healthfood shop is a good source of information on local qualified practitioners but always look for qualifications and references. In Ireland all reputable healthfood shops are registered with the IAHS

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

Valerian - A gentle natural sedative

2005-07-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

There is nothing worse than the frustration of not being able to get a good nights sleep! Insomnia is a condition that many of us experience from time to time and is normally the product of a complex set of circumstances, including stress and over indulgence in stimulants such as caffine.

There's no magic cure or silver bullet that will resolve an inability to sleep! Naturally you should always consult a qualified medical practitioner for any chronic health conditions. I know that if you haven't slept for a while you're probably cranky and in no mood to be preached at - however your sleeplessness is an indicator that you need to change something in your daily pattern. Increasing your exposure to fresh air really helps, so try to get some outdoor excercise in. In tandem with this try to reduce your stress levels and perhaps try taking some Valerian.

Valerian (valerina officinalis)is often used as a gentle and natural sedative. It's a perennial plant with a pinkish/white flowers and it grows from a tuberous root called a rhizome.

Valerian is readily commercially available in a number of forms; Tea, Tincture, Juice, Capsule and Tablet. At Organico we stock Dr Stuarts Valerian Tea, Bioforce Valerian Tincture, Quest and Lifeplan Valerain Tablets and Schonenberger Valerian Juice.

Dosage: 300-600mg in capsule form or 2-3g of dried herb soaked in a cup of hot water for for 10 minutes. Taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime.

It has a funny smell but don't let that put you off as the taste is not unpleasant.

Valerian is not known to be addictive, however it should only be used as a short term aid to re-establish sleeping patterns.

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

Organico Bantry

2005-07-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

Organico Bantry

Hi I'm Hannah Dare and I run Organico Shop on the Glengarriff Road in Bantry, which is a town in West Cork in Ireland.

Organico is a family business and my sister Rachel is reponsible for the inspiration (and perspiration!) behind our Cafe and Bakery.

We are passionate about good food & alternative remedies and Organico Shop is the cornerstone of our business. We have a huge range of organic foods, fresh organic fruit and vegetables, handmade organic cakes and bread and a comprehensive selection of nutritional suppliments, remedies, tintures and homeopathics.

Suppliers that we have come to know and trust include Salus House, Weleda, Higher Nature, Bioforce, Quest, Green People, Flora, New Era, Atlantic Aromatics, and Bach Flower Remedies.

We've learned a lot about organic living and alternative and complimentary medicines over the years and this blog is a way of sharing some of our knowledge with you - enjoy!

Always consult a qualified medical practitioner!

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