Reclaim Your Waistline

Shape Your Optimal Weight Through Sustainable Healthier Lifestyle Practices

What’s in it for you:

Regain and Increase Your personal Radiance using targeted nutritious foods;
Improve your digestive health, immune system with
- Tailored meal plans to suit your lifestyle and needs;
- easy to do detoxifying recipes;
Replenish your body with bioavailable drinks designed to enable yourself to stay on top of your daily routine;
Purify, Tone and Heal your body with exclusive aromatic treatments designed to revitalise your inner strength;
Take back the power to become the best version of yourself using new lifestyle routines and be ready to shine.
Reach your personal wellness goals using targeted nutritious foods with less food restrictions;

This is how you get all of the above:

one initial lifestyle/diet/health assessment (60 -90 minutes); @107/session;
one consultation with personalised recommendations (food choices, teas and nutritious treats (up to 45 min); @97/session;
one personalised aromatic-solution for your unique situation; @97/session;
Bonus: one follow-up consultations or meal prep with me 14 days apart with additional recommendations (30 to 45 minutes);
Customized summaries of each session with actionable steps;

Price: pay per session $301 (107+97+97)

Or pay upfront payment for all three sessions @ $250 and save $51

Alternative Payments options.

Experience Balance and Restore Your Vibrant Active You

“Let food be thy Medicine” ~ Hipocrates

When we are emotionally distressed we often feel powerless over our food cravings. More often than not, physical or emotional distress makes us want to consume foods that are high in fat, sugar or both. Unfortunately this behaviour will only exacerbate feelings of depression, anxiety without any real help. What if I tell you that it is possible to satisfy your cravings and protect your brain against all the negative factors coming from sweets or artificially sweetened foods.

This program offers you the following:

How to reduce stress eating the right comfort foods;
Combat chronic insomnia;
How to protect your brain against oxidative stress;
What to eat when faced with a stressful situation.

This is how you get all of the above:

one initial lifestyle/diet/health assessment (60 -90 minutes); @107/session;
one consultation with personalised recommendations (food choices, teas and nutritious treats (up to 45 min); @97/session;
one personalised aromatic-solution for your unique situation; @97/session;
Bonus: one follow-up consultations or meal prep with me 14 days apart with additional recommendations (30 to 45 minutes);
Customized summaries of each session with actionable steps;

Price: pay per session $301 (107+97+97)

Or pay upfront payment for all three sessions @ $250 and save $51

Alternative Payments options.

Invalidate Pain with Nutrition

Make Wellness Your Friend

Start feeling better from the inside out with BIBI Therapy!

As a chronic pain sufferer I know so well what PAIN is. While climbing the PAIN Mountain, I was often told: “Make pain your friend”.

I say to you “Make wellness your friend!” and you choose a lifestyle that leads to high energy levels, less body fatigue, decreased brain-fog and so much more.

With this Package You are uniquely empowered to adopt a lifestyle-plan where you learn how to nourish your body in a healthy way without depriving it. The Basic areas touched within it comprises:

Intensive, directed nutrition;
Scientifically validated approach;
Exclusive use of aromatic oils;
One-on-one working until you are satisfied with your results;
Sharing knowledge that empowers you;
Personalised solution to your unique situation;
Unparalleled use of services Nutrition, Herbalism and Aromatherapy.

This package is highly personalised, since pain has multiple causes, yet there are simple ways to Invalidate Pain. Whether is overcoming PMS, eliminate pesky headaches or ease tired muscles, the foods we eat have the potential to ease or accelerate the pain in our bodies.

This is something that you will discover if you decide to go on for this package.

Make sure that your Family doctor is aware of the diet changes you will undertake.

This is how you get all of the above:

one initial lifestyle/diet/health assessment (60 -90 minutes); @107/session;
one consultation with personalised recommendations (food choices, teas and nutritious treats (up to 45 min); @97/session;
one personalised aromatic-solution for your unique situation; @97/session;
Bonus: one follow-up consultation or a meal prep with me 14 days apart with additional recommendations (30 to 45 minutes);
Customized summaries of each session with actionable steps;

Price: pay per session $301 (107+97+97)

Or pay upfront payment for all three sessions @ $250 and save $51

Alternative Payments options.

Repair Your Microbiome

Optimize Your Digestive System, One Meal at a Time

Start feeling better from the inside out with BIBI Therapy!

With this Package You are uniquely empowered to adopt a lifestyle-plan where you learn how to nourish your body in a healthy way without depriving it. The Basic areas touched within it comprises:

Intensive, directed nutrition to boost your microbiome;
Scientifically validated approach;
Exclusive use of probiotics and aromatic oils;
One-on-one working until you are satisfied with your results;
Sharing knowledge that empowers you;
Personalised solution to your unique situation;
Unparalleled use of services Nutrition, Herbalism and Aromatherapy.

This is something that you will discover if you decide to go on for this package.

Make sure that your Family doctor is aware of the diet changes you will undertake.

This is how you get all of the above:

one initial lifestyle/diet/health assessment (60 -90 minutes); @107/session;
one consultation with personalised recommendations (food choices, teas and nutritious treats (up to 45 min); @97/session;
one personalised aromatic-solution for your unique situation; @97/session;
Bonus: one follow-up consultations or meal prep with me 14 days apart with additional recommendations (30 to 45 minutes);
Customized summaries of each session with actionable steps;

Price: pay per session $301 (107+97+97)

Or pay upfront payment for all three sessions @ $250 and save $51

Alternative Payments options.

April 29, 2021April 29, 2021

Bay Leaves: from Flavouring to Medical Benefits

Green Bay Leaf Wreath on white background

The legends say that once upon a time, bay leaves were used to repel demons, witches, lightning and thunder. It is said that the great Tiberius Caesar Augustus, the second Roman Emperor (reined from AD 14 to 37) had a bay leaf hat to protect him from lightning. Most commonly bay leaves come from an ancient evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region called Laurus nobilis.

This herb has been around since ancient times and has been used as food flavouring as well as medicinal remedy. The herb is associated with prosperity, honour and fame and has many other ritualistic uses, including protection from misfortune, purification, meditation, accessing higher creative powers, etc. Most importantly this herb lists impressive health benefits in the folk medicine that are yet to be validated by modern medicine.

Harnessing the beneficial effects of bay leaf is easier than one might think in Australia. That is because Bay tree is so easy to grow in pots or garden, but be warned it requires constant pruning.

The leaves are rich in vitamins (specifically vitamin A and C) and minerals including copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and manganese. Furthermore, the leaves contain tannins, flavones, flavonoids, alkaloids, eugenol, linalool, methyl chavicol, and anthocyanins (Batool et al, 2020). Here’s what modern research tells us about bay leaves benefits:

May Improve Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes: Just one or 2 grams a day for a minimum of 10 days is able to help decrease risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases for people with type 2 diabetes. (Khan et al, 2009);
May Help Fight Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers: an aqueous extract of bay leaf is as effective as ginger, and nigella in fighting against bacteria (commonly Helicobacter Pyloriis) known to lead to stomach ulcer (Biglar et al, 2014);
Could be useful in wound healing preventing fungal infections: the essential oil from bay leaves has been efficient in combating fungal infections (Candida albicans biofilms) (Freires et al, 2016).

Throughout the history bay leaf has also known for other biological activities including:

As a poultice to help with wound healing,
As a topical application of the oil to ease the arthritic pain,
Bug repellent,
Vapour treatment in chest and viral infections,
Commonly used in cosmetic creams, perfumes, hair conditioner and soaps.

Bay Leaf Tea

Bay leaf tea is delicious; I love the aromatic fragrance that the leaves release when I make the tea. A coup of bay leaf tea can soothe and relax the body. After work or a stressful day and before bedtime the tea will help you getting into the “zzzzzzzzz” mode in no time. Bay leaf is not a morning tea: save it for the afternoon or evening. The tea should be consumed with caution, as it is known to have some slight narcotic qualities slowing down the central nervous system (Batool et al, 2020).

One litre water;
5 bay leaves;
Juice of one large lemon;
Place ingredients, together, in a pot and bring to a boil. Boil until the liquid reduces to half.
Strain and add the lemon juice.
Drink the tea after it cools down.

Hair Conditioner. The bay leaf tea can also be used as your best hair conditioner: it will add extra shine to the hair. Use the tea after shampooing your hair.

Safety: If you have a bay leaf tree always make the tea from dried leaves. Fresh Bay leaves have a pungent and bitter taste and should only be used for food flavouring or tea 48 to 72 hours after being harvested. Although, there is insufficient data about the safety of taking bay leaf in pregnancy and breastfeeding it is most probably better to avoid its use during this period.

Ground bay leaf is considered safe when taken in medicinal quantities, less than ¾ of a teaspoon or approximately 3 grams a day, and for a short period (up to maximum 40 days). But, if you cook with whole bay leaf, you must remove it before eating the food. Bay leaf cannot be digested and remains intact in the digestive tract and it may cause piercing of the lining of the intestines.

Final thoughts

Most of the studies I found in my research refer to either in-vitro or testing of bay leaf extracts. As scientific research progresses, we may be able to find out how the savoury leaf makes the jump from being used just as flavouring agent to human medical benefits.

As with all natural products one must manifest caution when embarking on the use of bay leaf for its medicinal properties. When in doubt it is always better to consult and experienced and qualified professional if you feel that your ill-health symptoms require in depth attention.

I would love to hear from you about how you use Bay leaf in your daily life, or if you have any questions please write in the comments below.

References

Batool, S., Khera, R. A., Hanif, M. A., & Ayub, M. A. (2020). Bay Leaf. Medicinal Plants of South Asia, 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102659-5.00005-7

Biglar, M., Sufi, H., Bagherzadeh, K., Amanlou, M., & Mojab, F. (2014). Screening of 20 commonly used Iranian traditional medicinal plants against urease. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR, 13(Suppl), 195–198. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3977070/#__ffn_sectitle

Peixoto, L. R., Rosalen, P. L., Ferreira, G. L., Freires, I. A., de Carvalho, F. G., Castellano, L. R., & de Castro, R. D. (2017). Antifungal activity, mode of action and anti-biofilm effects of Laurus nobilis Linnaeus essential oil against Candida spp. Archives of oral biology, 73, 179–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.10.013

Khan, A., Zaman, G., & Anderson, R. A. (2009). Bay leaves improve glucose and lipid profile of people with type 2 diabetes. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 44(1), 52–56. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.08-188

March 27, 2021March 27, 2021

Simple Ways to Stimulate Oxytocin Naturally

This blog takes me back on the memory line.

It was on beautiful European autumn when I was waiting anxiously to see what little gift my partner will bring me from a visit in France. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the gift came in the form of a lovely hydrating face cream. I was totally into it. Mais bien sûr. It is well known that French women look after their skin. So was I. The cream, for which I will not disclose any brand or name, was fantastic. The fine lines that occurred due to the excessive sun exposure disappeared after just a week of using the cream. Disappointment came when I finished the tub….. and this brings me to the topic of today’s blog. Can ageing be prevented? Can it be ameliorated? Are the signs of ageing embedded into our genes? Some think that the answer to is “yes”. Others leave the question up to be debated. What do you think?

Yes, I know this topic is like opening the Pandora’s box. Yet the knowledge that it is accumulated on the subject is spectacular. It was to no surprise to me to observe that recent research into ageing made a connection between ageing and aromatherapy.

Let me explain. In technical terms ageing is commonly linked to a hormone, oxytocin, termed by scientists as the “great facilitator of life” (Lee et al, 2009). It is also known under the names of the “love hormone”, the “social hormone”, the “cuddle hormone”, and the “happy hormone”. Oxytocin hormone was first characterised by Sir Henry H Dale in 1906 as an extract made from the human pituitary gland. Initially, it was thought that its role is purely uterotonic. Since then its effects and roles continue to be unfolded. Here is an abbreviated list of known functions where oxytocin plays an important role (Lee et al, 2009):

Learning,
Anxiety,
Eating,
Pain reception,
Social memory,
Aggression,
Sexual and maternal behaviour.

Furthermore, recent research has shown that oxytocin deficiency has deleterious effects on important bodily functions:

It is intricately involved in a broad array of mood and anxiety disorders (Cochran et al 2014);
It can lead to obesity, despite normal food intake, due to altering the glucose metabolism (Ding et al, 2019);
It is negatively associated with anorexia nervosa in women, eating disorders, anxiety and depressive symptoms (Afinogenova et al, 2016);
Additional studies into the oxytocin role and the ageing phenomena established that it plays an essential role for muscle regeneration (Elabd et al 2014).

Oxytocin is being used as a prescription medicine for the treatment of a number of health conditions. As a holistic practitioner I am rather not interested in the ingestion of a synthetically obtained substance. It turns out that oxytocin levels production can be stimulated within our own bodies. Below are three easy way to stimulate it naturally.

1. Sniff-sniff that lovely oil aroma diffuser for a minimum of 20 minutes a day: Researchers from Nagasaki University, Japan (Tarumi and Shinohara, 2020) measured the effects of certain essential oils on postmenaupausal women. The conclusion of the investigation has established that oxytocin olfactory stimulation is possible after 20 minutes of inhaling the aroma of these oils. The essential oils included rose otto, sweet orange, lavender, neroli, frankincense, jasmine absolute, ylang ylang, roman chamomile, clary sage, and Indian sandalwood.

2. Have only 15 minutes massage every week: Researchers at University of California, USA have demonstrated that only a 15 minutes of moderate-pressure massage leads to an increase in the oxytocin levels in both male and female participants.

3. Find excuses to give and receive hugs: Researchers at North Carolina University, USA, reported that frequent hugs between spouses/partners led to increased oxytocin levels.

The Bottom Line: Given that oxytocin half-life is short, only 1 to 6 minutes one would require multiple bouts of it. So keep hugging, sniffing and receiving a light massage regularly. It is the only way to keep ageing process at bay. My take on ageing and the appearance of the skin: it is not what one applies on the face that makes the skin glow. Rather, the skin glowing is an after effect of a more complex process. It involves what one eats (Nutrition), what one drinks (Herbalism) as well as what ones applies on the skin or sniffs (Aromatherapy).

Thank you for reading. Until next time stay safe, stay young and healthy.

Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, Herbalist Aromatherapist and Nutrition Diva rather than a medical doctor or nurse. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arises.

References

Afinogenova, Y., Schmelkin, C., Plessow, F., Thomas, J. J., Pulumo, R., Micali, N., Miller, K. K., Eddy, K. T., & Lawson, E. A. (2016). Low Fasting Oxytocin Levels Are Associated With Psychopathology in Anorexia Nervosa in Partial Recovery. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 77(11), e1483–e1490. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.15m10217

Cochran, D. M., Fallon, D., Hill, M., & Frazier, J. A. (2013). The role of oxytocin in psychiatric disorders: a review of biological and therapeutic research findings. Harvard review of psychiatry, 21(5), 219–247. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0b013e3182a75b7d

Ding, C., Leow, M. K., & Magkos, F. (2019). Oxytocin in metabolic homeostasis: implications for obesity and diabetes management. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 20(1), 22–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12757

Elabd, C., Cousin, W., Upadhyayula, P., Chen, R. Y., Chooljian, M. S., Li, J., Kung, S., Jiang, K. P., & Conboy, I. M. (2014). Oxytocin is an age-specific circulating hormone that is necessary for muscle maintenance and regeneration. Nature communications, 5, 4082. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5082

Lee, H. J., Macbeth, A. H., Pagani, J. H., & Young, W. S., 3rd (2009). Oxytocin: the great facilitator of life. Progress in neurobiology, 88(2), 127–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.04.001

Light, K. C., Grewen, K. M., & Amico, J. A. (2005). More frequent partner hugs and higher oxytocin levels are linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate in premenopausal women. Biological psychology, 69(1), 5–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2004.11.002

Tarumi, W., & Shinohara, K. (2020). The Effects of Essential Oil on Salivary Oxytocin Concentration in Postmenopausal Women. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 26(3), 226–230. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0361

January 30, 2021January 30, 2021

The King of Spices: Saffron

Hidden Beauty and Health Benefits of the Red Gold

I love cooking with herbs and a few decades back I came across saffron, one that was so expensive that I only dared to use it sparingly. These days its use is so much different. I love to use it as an infusion, to change the colour of rice, or to give additional flavour and gorgeous colour to the pickled daikon radish. But as it turns out, this king of spices, saffron has many more important therapeutic properties that are not so well known in our western society including antinociceptive activities.

I will outline the ones that have been vindicated with clinical trials in various parts of the world. The list is rather impressive.

Saffron is the dried, dark red stigmata of Crocus sativus L. flowers. It has been used as a spice, food colorant, and a healing drug in folk medicine for centuries. Currently, saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Depending on the quality (colour, length) of the stigmata it may cost between 500 to 5,000 US dollars for 450 grams of saffron. That is why it is also called the Red Gold in the countries that mostly produce it (Iran, India, Greece).

Properties: Aside from its culinary use, this spice with ancient origins is highly prized for its extensive repertoire of traditional medicinal uses. That is due to its more than 150 beneficial biologically active components known to date (Ortega et al, 2007). The most known and researched components are crocin, crocetin and safranal.

Here are some of the well documented human clinical trials known to use saffron with effective outcomes:

Only 30 mg saffron per day is capable to ameliorate the effects of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer and clinical dementia (Akhondzadeh et al, 2010); the duration of the treatment, rather long but worthwhile, is 22 weeks.
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (pain, irritability, cravings) can be reduced over two menstrual cycles with merely 30 mg of saffron consumed daily (Agha-Hosseini et al 2008).
It is sufficient to take 30 mg of saffron a day to reduce the effects of moderate depression with an equal efficacy comparable with current anti-depression medication (Akhondzadeh et al 2005).
Skin Beauty: cosmetically driven research published to date is sparse; nonetheless there is sufficient evidence to suggest that saffron-based oil-aqueous emulsion has emollient properties and some claim to even have antiaging effects (Akhtar et al, 2014). And who wouldn’t want that?
Sun Protection Formulation using saffron is a natural way to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. (Golmohammadzadeh et al 2010). The saffron-based solution in the cited research performed better than the control lotion.
tumoricidal properties, aka properties that prevent cancer tumour development (Abdullaev, 2002).
Other potential health benefits have been research in vitro and animal studies and there are no significant clinical trials to assert their efficacy in humans.

Safety

Saffron has an impressive safe profile and little to no significant effects have been clinically observed even when administered at relative high therapeutic doses of 400 mg a day (Modaghegh et al, 2008). However, the study assessed the short term effects of administering saffron stigma tablets for seven consecutive days to healthy adult subjects (male and female).

Pregnancy Alert: Pregnant women should never take this spice for medicinal purposes, as saffron stimulates uterine contractions.

Conclusion and takehome message. The ancient spice saffron has been used for millennia in folk medicine for treatment or prevention of a multitude of conditions. Current s scientific studies support the use of saffron and its chemical constituents as a promising way in reducing the effects of modern society disorders including but not limited to diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. My take on this golden herb is that it is now part of my gut healing herbs that are definitely helping heal the gut microbiome

Thank you for visiting and reading this page. Until next time: keep well, stay safe and be in touch.

Disclaimer: The information on this blog is provided only as an indication of the research and information about using culinary and medicinal herbs as natural remedies as research by me using scholarly research available on various data bases on the internet. I am a qualified holistic wellness, Nutritionist, Herbalist and Aromatherapy Diva rather than a medical doctor or nurse. It is not my intention to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disorder, illness or presume to replace one’s need to consult one’s own physician. I expressly disclaim all liability to any person for any loss, injury or inconvenience for any use, misuse of any information provided on this website.

Do your own homework if you have any medical problem, always seek professional medical advice when a medical need arises.

References

Abdullaev, F, (2002). Cancer chemopreventive and tumoricidal properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Experimental Biology and Medicine, 227(1) 20-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/153537020222700104

Agha-Hosseini, M., Kashani, L., Aleyaseen, A., Ghoreishi, A., Rahmanpour, H., Zarrinara, A. R., & Akhondzadeh, S. (2008). Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 115(4), 515–519. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01652.x

Akhondzadeh, S., Tahmacebi-Pour, N., Noorbala, A. A., Amini, H., Fallah-Pour, H., Jamshidi, A. H., & Khani, M. (2005). Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 19(2), 148–151. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1647

Akhondzadeh, S., Shafiee Sabet, M., Harirchian, M. H., Togha, M., Cheraghmakani, H., Razeghi, S., Hejazi, S. S., Yousefi, M. H., Alimardani, R., Jamshidi, A., Rezazadeh, S. A., Yousefi, A., Zare, F., Moradi, A., & Vossoughi, A. (2010). A 22-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Psychopharmacology, 207(4), 637–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-009-1706-1

Akhtar, N., Khan, H. M., Ashraf, S., Mohammad, I. S., Saqib, N. U., & Bashir, K. (2014). Moisturizing effect of stable cream containing Crocus sativus extracts. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 27(6), 1881–1884. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25362612/

Christodoulou, Ei., Kadoglou N.P.E., Stasinopoulou, Konstandi M. O.A., Kenoutis, C. Kakazanis, Z.I. Rizakou, A. Kostomitsopoulos, Valsami,N. G., (2018). Crocus sativus L. aqueous extract reduces atherogenesis, increases atherosclerotic plaque stability and improves glucose control in diabetic atherosclerotic animals, Atherosclerosis, 268, 207-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.10.032

Ortega, C.H., Miranda, P.R., Abdullaev, F., (2007). HPLC quantification of major active components from 11 different saffron (Crocus sativus L.) sources. Food Chemistry.100 (3), 1126–1131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.11.020.

Modaghegh M.H., Shahabian M., Esmaeili H.A., Rajbai O.,(2008). Safety evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativus) tablets in healthy volunteers, Phytomedicine , 15(12), 1032–1037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.003.

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020

No-Frills Gut Healing Herbs

It is well known now that we have more than one mechanism for making decisions: one is also known as our “gut feeling” (Soosalu and Oka, 2012). It is caused by the trillions of bacteria, living in the gut and constituting the microbiome. Feed the right bacteria and you are happy; else delve in a cycling circle of depression, anxiety and anger.

As with the Holiday season we surely indulged in a few experiences that may have disturbed the normal flora and require re-balancing of the gut microbiome.

The helpers are at hand in the form of herbs that we can use as flavour-boosters with magnificent support for the digestive health.

That is to say we can use these helpers to calm symptoms relating to the functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, or stomach upset. The effect is double as fixing problems in the gut affects what’s happening in the brain, too. So let’ see how we can keep the digestive system in top condition this holiday season.

The following seven herbs have extraordinary gut healing properties. They are also super easy to grow in pots or in a small garden.

1. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is an important culinary herb and the most well-known digestive soother. It is highly prised in the Mediterranean cuisine for its natural detox qualities but also known in the folk medicine for the anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley has multiple benefits for the whole body; I will mention here those for which a scientific provision exists without doubts (Mahmood et al 2014) as it:

Reverses signs of oxidative stress due to its anti-oxidant compounds (Dorman et al, 2011)
Decreases bloating and helps in the support of bowel movements due to its high fibre content (Kreydiyyeh et al 2001);
It reduces bad breath;
Alleviates colic.

2. Basil is one of the oldest to mankind herb used in cooking along with rosemary, oregano and mint. There are over 35 different types of basil plants. It is praised not only for its pleasant aroma but also for its impressive list of nutrients. Among them is less known vitamin K, a fat soluble vitamin very important for bone health as well as for healthy cardiovascular function. Suffice to say that scientific studies have shown the following benefits:

Hepatoprotector;
Pain-reducer;
Immune booster;
Antibacterial against strains of E.coli.

3. Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum) are also known as Chinese chives. They are used as seasoning and give a mild garlic flavour to dishes. If garlic is too strong to use in the salads or stir fries, garlic chives are the best option. Personally I found them very effective for bowel movement.

4. Sage (Salvia officinalis) plant is also known as the salvation plant as its medicinal and non –medicinal uses have been used for several thousands of years in almost all Mediterranean cultures as well as in the traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Some of multiple benefits sage presents are:

It helps improve mental capacities and acuity (Perry et al, 2003);
It treats menopausal symptoms reducing the intensity of hot flushes (Bommer, et al, 2011);
It balances cholesterol levels (Sa et al, 2009).

How to take sage

Hot infusion tea made from fresh or dry herb;
Cold infusion tea: soak overnight a handful of fresh sage leaves in a cup of lemon juice; enjoy it diluted during the next day;
Salt enhancer;
Bath bombs.

Since it is taken in the form of food sage does not have any restrictions, as it presents no toxicity. However, for pregnant or breastfeeding women this herb is not adequate due to a chemical that it deems to be unsafe in such conditions.

5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), symbol of love, fidelity and loyalty has been connected with memory since ancient times. This plant is packed with anti-oxidants two of which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties (Degner et al 2009). Other equally impressive health benefits include:

Soothing heartburn;
Easing intestinal gas and bloating as well as
Improving the cognitive function.

How to use it:

Use liberally when cooking meat but also vegetables
Make a rosemary tonic salt
Flavour a favourite beverage or cocktail; it goes well with citruses or cucumber.

6. Onion Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a nutrient dense food. They are used as seasoning and add onion flavour to dishes. They are packed with important nutrients and health-promoting compounds. However in order to benefit from their medicinal benefits a person needs to consume a large quantity, say a cup of chives.

7. Dill (Anethum graveolens) has a long and ancient history of being used in many countries. The many uses and benefits are mostly evidenced in the folk medicine. There are no significant clinical trials to cite for the benefits of this wonderful plant. Some of the most well-known are:

Reduces flatulence;
May help balance cholesterol; but current research is controversial.

Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, herbalist aromatherapist and nutrition Diva, I am not a medical doctor or nurse and do not play one on the internet. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arise

Sources

Bommer, S., Klein, P., & Suter, A. (2011). First time proof of sage’s tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. Advances in therapy, 28(6), 490–500. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-011-0027-z

Degner, S. C., Papoutsis, A. J., Romagnolo, D. F., (2009), , Chapter 26:Health Benefits of Traditional Culinary and Medicinal Mediterranean Plants, pp: 541-562 in Complementary and Alternative Therapies and the Aging Population, Ed. Watson, R., Academic Press. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123742285000263

Dorman, H. J., Lantto, T. A., Raasmaja, A., & Hiltunen, R. (2011). Antioxidant, pro-oxidant and cytotoxic properties of parsley. Food & function, 2(6), 328–337. https://doi.org/10.1039/c1fo10027k

Kreydiyyeh, S. I., Usta, J., Kaouk, I., & Al-Sadi, R. (2001). The mechanism underlying the laxative properties of parsley extract. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 8(5), 382–388. https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00058

Mahmood, S., Hussain, S., & Malik, F. (2014). Critique of medicinal conspicuousness of Parsley(Petroselinum crispum): a culinary herb of Mediterranean region. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 27(1), 193–202.

Perry, N. S., Bollen, C., Perry, E. K., & Ballard, C. (2003). Salvia for dementia therapy: review of pharmacological activity and pilot tolerability clinical trial. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 75(3), 651–659. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-3057(03)00108-4Sá, C. M., Ramos, A. A.,

November 29, 2020November 29, 2020

Ignite Your Wellbeing

An Ancient Art Approach to Good Health

Aromatherapy an Overview

Where do you find stillness? How do you ease your racing thoughts in your life? The physical and mental body is adversely affected by stress, pollution, unhealthy diets, and hectic yet sedentary lifestyle.

One of my favourite ways to create calmness in my life is through Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a complementary holistic therapy that uses natural plant oils in the form of essential oils. The value of natural plant oils has been recognised for more than 6000 years, not only for the sheer pleasure of their fragrance but mostly for their healing, cleansing or mood-altering properties. Today’ science validates all of the above mentioned properties and so much more.

Aromatherapy aims to enhance and/or balance a person’s physical, spiritual, emotional and mental capacity. Although it can act as a preventive to disease state, Aromatherapy ignites your wellbeing by improving mental and physical health. It does that through the specific qualities of the essential oils being used either through massage or inhalation. Although these qualities aim to stimulate, refresh or sedate an individual, in rare cases they may also lead to adverse reactions.

Essential oils are highly potent and in some cases may cause allergic skin reaction. That is why at BIBI Therapy we always take your health history before your aromatic treatment as well as we skin patch test for possible allergic reaction to the essential oils to be used.

Historical Perspective

Historically, the origins of aromatherapy use can be traced trough the religious, medical and social practices. It is believed that the remarkable medicinal powers of plants have been discovered in ancient China around 4500 B.C. However, the Egyptian hieroglyphs and current research indicate that the ritual of mummification using plant-based oils aromatic preparations was very well established by 4500 B.C. (Jones et al, 2018).

Since then, great herbalists as well as scientists throughout the world have uncovered many stunning uses of plants in the form of essential oils. The application of aromatherapy from embalming to beauty and ultimately to health and well-being is constantly evolving as contemporary research makes use of novel technologies and increased understanding of human body.

Why Do We Feel so Good after Having an Aromatherapy Session?

Is there such a thing as good health (Fred, 2013)? An ancient quote on best health is attributed to Agamemnon:

”There is a limit to the best of health: disease is always a near neighbor.”

For me the absence of pain is essential for wellbeing as pain is often debilitating both physically and mentally. The antinociceptive or pain reducing qualities of essential oils have only been recently validated by modern science.

The power of touch during a massage session has inestimable values. But it is our own brain that transforms the touch into feel good sensation. All those tight muscles, tension and stress melt away all because the brain, through its autonomic nervous system. This system engages in involuntary processes that calm down the mental activity, decreasing the blood pressure, slowing the pulse rate and ultimately leading to relaxation and tranquillity. Furthermore, there is a healing effect that is induced within the body during an aromatic massage therapy:

Here are some well researched and documented reasons as to why aromatherapy massage is effectively enjoyable:

Massages stretches and pulls muscles accelerating the healing process (Crane et al, 2012);
The combination of gentle massage and essential oils ameliorates the effects of arthritis (Bahr et al, 2018)
Back and foot massage effectively improves blood pressure and sleep quality (Arslan et al, 2020);
Manual therapies, including but not limited to massage therapy, for migraine sufferers may be equally effective as medication treatment (Chaibi, et al, 2011);
Aromatherapy massage alleviates psychological and physiological responses for older women suffering from anxiety and depression (Bahrami et al, 2017)
Abdominal aromatic essential oil massage is an effective way to relieve throbbing pain in primary dysmenorrhea (Ou et al, 2012; Sut et al, 2017).

Resources

Arslan, G., Ceyhan, Ö., & Mollaoğlu, M. (2020). The influence of foot and back massage on blood pressure and sleep quality in females with essential hypertension: a randomized controlled study. Journal of human hypertension, 10.1038/s41371-020-0371-z. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-020-0371-z

Bahrami, T., Rejeh, N., Heravi-Karimooi, M., Vaismoradi, M., Tadrisi, S. D., & Sieloff, C. (2017). Effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with the acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. International journal of nursing practice, 23(6), 10.1111/ijn.12601. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12601

Bahr, T., Allred, K., Martinez, D., Rodriguez, D., & Winterton, P. (2018). Effects of a massage-like essential oil application procedure using Copaiba and Deep Blue oils in individuals with hand arthritis. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 33, 170–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.004

Chaibi, A., Tuchin, P. J., & Russell, M. B. (2011). Manual therapies for migraine: a systematic review. The journal of headache and pain, 12(2), 127–133. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10194-011-0296-6

Crane, J. D., Ogborn, D. I., Cupido, C., Melov, S., Hubbard, A., Bourgeois, J. M., & Tarnopolsky, M. A. (2012). Massage therapy attenuates inflammatory signaling after exercise-induced muscle damage. Science translational medicine, 4(119), 119ra13. https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.3002882,

Fred H. L. (2013). In good health: an opinion at best. Texas Heart Institute journal, 40(1), 13–14.

Jones, J., Higham, T. F.G., Chivall, D., Bianucci, R., Kay, G. L., Pallen, M. J., Oldfield, R., Ugliano F., Buckley S. A. (2018). A prehistoric Egyptian mummy: Evidence for an ‘embalming recipe’ and the evolution of early formative funerary treatments, Journal of Archaeological Science, 100, 191-200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2018.07.011.

Sut, N., & Kahyaoglu-Sut, H. (2017). Effect of aromatherapy massage on pain in primary dysmenorrhea: A meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 27, 5–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.01.001

Ou, M. C., Hsu, T. F., Lai, A. C., Lin, Y. T., & Lin, C. C. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 38(5), 817–822. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01802.x

October 30, 2020October 30, 2020

Don’t Let the Sunshine Steal your Natural Beauty

Two Easy Ways to Reverse Sunshine Harmful Effects

Have you ever seen a new born with freckles? So far I haven’t. But these days I do know how do freckles or brown spots develop. I wish I knew this when I was younger. I‘ll tell you a story.

Once upon a time there was a young girl in a small mountain city. She loved the sun very much. In fact she loved it so much that she would bake herself hours in the summer sun until her skin would be as black as the soil. With her dark hair and even darker skin one could only see her emerald eyes; that’s how tanned she would become by the end of summer. Her mother used to joke: “you bake in the sun like a lizard come in the shade, surely it can’t be good to tan so much”. You see her mom did not have her easy to tan skin. Her mom would easily get sun-burn unlike her who would get a lovely tan, or so she thought.

My carefree youth spent soaking up the sunshine all summer days has come back to haunt me. A few years back I started noticing more and more of the brown spots on my face; on my arms and legs; everywhere the sun has kissed my skin sort of speaking. Fortunately, these days I know how to use simple remedies to make them disappear or at least lighten them up a notch.

When the unprotected skin is exposed to the sun, some specific rays, termed ultraviolet radiation, interact with a pigment from the skin, called melanin. The end result depends on how much of this pigment, melanin, exists in the outer layers of the skin. In fact this pigment is trying to protect the whole body and the skin against the harmful sun radiation. Some people get tan while others get a sun-burn. Nonetheless both processes are the result of inflammation: a skin damage at the cellular level. In some unfortunate cases it can lead to skin cancer. Unfortunately, in 2018 Australia had the highest rate of skin cancer in the world (Elflein, 2020) leading to 2094 deaths.

As a holistic practitioner I am also interested to know not only how to lighten the brown spots but how to maintain a healthy elasticity of the skin despite natural ageing processes. To do so I will provide in this blog two outstanding remedies I call for when in need for skin rejuvenation. Number one is Green tea, either applied topically or used as a beverage. And the other one is Aloe vera which also can be either applied topically or used in delish summer drinks.

Green Tea

When it comes to beautifying my # 1 go to is the Green tea. Green tea comes from a beautiful plant called Camellia sinensis. Green tea contains some specific substances, termed polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in the body. Specifically it plays a beneficial role in the treatment of skin tumours. According to the most recent studies (Koch et al 2019) consuming green tea regularly helps rejuvenate old skin cells as well as prevents the onset of further growth of skin tumour in the body. Although the protective effects of green tea remedy against ultraviolet light induced inflammation of the skin (read here sun tan, sunburn, brown spots) is not well understood, its protective effects either applied topically or consumed orally are undeniable. Here are just a few reasons why many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies are supplementing skin care products with green tea extracts:

Protects the skin against the harmful effects induced by ultraviolet light radiation;
It improves the strength and elasticity of the skin;
Inhibits the processes due to aging;
Reduces skin cellulite;
Improves skin, nails and hair morphology;
Produces no skin irritation when applied topically;
It has great moisturizing effects.

There is one catch that I must divulge: in order to benefit from the above mentioned qualities, one needs to consume large amounts of green tea, above 8 cups a day for as long as the summer goes on. Cup of tea anyone?

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera needs to introduction when it comes to its results in various skin ailments. It is often taken as a health drink or it is applied on the skin. Most commonly it is used in treating wrinkles, and brown spots, age spots or stretch marks. Aloe can be ingested in the form of aloe drinks, or applied topically on the skin as you would as a moisturizer. This is so easy to use of you have access to the plant. Simply rub a little fresh aloe gel on the skin and leave it to soak a little. Some prefer to rinse after it has dried off. As Aloe is very gentle I leave it on as long as it is not too sticky.

It is my hope that you enjoy reading this short blog. Thank you and until next time, stay safe.

This blog is for information only. Do your diligent homework, talk to your doctor if you need specialist advice.

Resources

Elflein, J., (2020). Countries with the Highest Rates of Skin Cancer Worldwide in 2018, Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1032114/countries-with-the-greatest-rates-of-skin-cancer/

Koch, W., Zagórska, J., Marzec, Z., & Kukula-Koch, W. (2019). Applications of Tea (Camellia sinensis) and its Active Constituents in Cosmetics. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(23), 4277. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24234277

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