Category Archives: Herbs

Why should you do a heavy metal cleanse?

A heavy metal cleanse can be a powerful way to support your overall health, especially if you are exposed to heavy metals through food, water, air, or certain products. These metals, including mercury, lead, arsenic, aluminum, and cadmium, can accumulate in the body over time and may contribute to a range of health issues.

Here’s why you might consider a heavy metal cleanse:

1. Detoxify Your Body
Heavy metals can disrupt bodily systems by interfering with enzymes, hormones, and cellular functions. A cleanse helps remove these toxins, supporting your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system.

2. Enhance Energy Levels
Heavy metal toxicity can cause fatigue by impairing mitochondrial function (your cells’ energy production centers). Detoxing can help restore your body’s natural energy levels.

3. Improve Brain Health
Heavy metals like mercury and aluminum are linked to neurological issues, including memory loss, brain fog, and even conditions like Alzheimer’s. Cleansing can help reduce these risks.

4. Boost Immune Function
Heavy metals can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and chronic illnesses. A detox can strengthen your immunity by removing these harmful agents.

5. Support Cardiovascular Health
Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can affect your blood pressure and circulation. Cleansing can promote better heart health and circulation.

6. Address Chronic Health Conditions
Some chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases, digestive issues, and unexplained pain, may be exacerbated by heavy metal toxicity. A cleanse could provide relief and improve overall well-being.


How to Do a Heavy Metal Cleanse Safely

As a Medicinal Herbalist, I recommend a gentle, natural approach:

Herbal Support: Herbs like cilantro, chlorella, milk thistle, and dandelion can help detoxify and support your organs.

Clay or Charcoal: Bentonite clay and activated charcoal bind to heavy metals in the gut and aid elimination.

Mineral Support: Supplement with magnesium, zinc, and selenium to replenish essential minerals displaced by heavy metals.

Healthy Diet: Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, garlic, green tea, and leafy greens to support the detox process.

Hydration: Drink plenty of clean, filtered water to flush toxins effectively.

Consider consulting Oxford Herbal to tailor a program to your unique needs and ensure it’s done safely. Regular cleansing, combined with reducing exposure to heavy metals, can significantly enhance your long-term health.

I make all my herbal mixtures and formulas myself for each client, depending on what their body needs.

I also offer free 15 minutes telephone consultations – so get in touch if you’d like more information!

Warm Up and Thrive This November!

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, staying warm becomes a priority—especially for our extremities. In this month’s edition, we’re sharing some simple, yet powerful, ways to stay toasty, boost circulation, and keep energy levels high as winter approaches.

Spice Up Your Health with a Pinch of Cayenne Pepper!

This fiery spice can do wonders for your circulation. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your food or tea can help stimulate blood flow to your hands and feet, keeping your extremities warmer. Plus, cayenne is a natural anti-inflammatory and can aid digestion.

Tip: Try stirring a tiny pinch into a warm cup of herbal tea or a glass of water with lemon. A little goes a long way to heat things up!

The Benefits of a Cold Shower Burst

End your hot shower with a quick 30-second blast of cold water. This practice is invigorating for the nervous system and can help improve circulation, immune function, and even boost your mood. A cold burst also closes pores and wakes up your body, helping you feel refreshed and energized for the day ahead.

Challenge: Give it a try each morning this week and notice the difference in your energy and resilience to the cooler weather!

Special Invitation: Free Entry to the Mind-Body-Spirit Show in Birmingham

Oxford Herbal is excited to offer a free invitation to the Mind-Body-Spirit Show in Birmingham on Friday, 15th November 2024. Experience inspiring workshops, wellness products, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals focused on holistic health.

How to Claim: Book an appointment with us within the next 24 hours, and you’ll receive your free entry!

Should you do a herbal parasite cleanse?

You have your car serviced, MOT’d and cleaned every year – why wouldn’t you do that with your body?

Parasite cleanses can be a transformative step toward optimal health, and I’d love to share with you the key benefits. Parasites can quietly compromise your well-being, but with the right herbal cleanse, you can restore balance and vitality to your body. As a family, we all do one once a year. If you handle or work with animals (or have animals in your home), it should be done once every six months.

Benefits of a Parasite Cleanse:

  1. Improved Digestive Health: Parasites often reside in the gut, leading to bloating, gas, and indigestion. Cleansing helps remove these unwanted guests, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
  2. Boosted Energy Levels: Parasites feed on the nutrients your body needs, leaving you fatigued and drained. Cleansing can free up these vital resources, boosting your energy and helping you feel more vibrant.
  3. Clearer Skin: Parasites can cause skin issues like rashes, eczema, or acne. A cleanse helps eliminate toxins they release, leading to clearer, healthier skin.
  4. Strengthened Immune System: By removing parasites, you allow your immune system to function at its best. The cleanse supports your body’s natural defenses, reducing the frequency of infections.
  5. Mental Clarity and Focus: Parasites produce toxins that can affect brain function, leading to brain fog or mood swings. Cleansing helps remove these toxins, restoring mental clarity and emotional balance.
  6. Reduced Sugar and Carb Cravings: Parasites often thrive on sugar, leading to intense cravings. Cleansing can help reduce these cravings and support healthier dietary habits.
  7. Better Overall Detoxification: Many herbs used in parasite cleanses, like wormwood, black walnut, and clove, also support liver and kidney detoxification, helping your body eliminate toxins more efficiently.

Incorporating natural herbs into a parasite cleanse not only targets these unwelcome invaders but also supports the body’s overall healing process. Using herbs is a natural and effective way of removing parasites from your system.

If you’re interested in trying a parasite cleanse, reach out for a personalised plan that fits your needs!

Autumn Health and Wellness

The transition from summer to autumn is a powerful time, both in nature and in our bodies. As the environment shifts, it’s important to align our wellness practices with the season’s rhythm. This period is ideal for reflection, preparation, and nourishing both body and mind to ensure balance during the colder months ahead.

Here are some health considerations and herbal practices to support the shift:

1. Support Immune Health

As temperatures drop and the air becomes crisper, our immune systems can become more vulnerable. Herbal remedies like elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus are excellent for boosting immunity. These herbs can be taken as tinctures, teas, or syrups to prepare the body for the seasonal colds and flu.

  • Elderberry: Rich in antioxidants and known to shorten the duration of colds.
  • Echinacea: Strengthens the immune system and helps fend off respiratory infections.
  • Astragalus: Builds long-term immune resilience and enhances energy.

2. Balance and Warmth

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and drier air, which can disrupt the body’s internal warmth and moisture levels. Herbal teas that offer warmth and grounding, such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric, help maintain circulation and digestive fire.

  • Ginger and Cinnamon Tea: These warming spices support digestion, enhance circulation, and counter coldness.
  • Turmeric: Reduces inflammation and promotes overall vitality, especially as the body adjusts to colder weather.

3. Support the Lungs and Skin

Dry, cool air can affect the lungs and skin, leading to dryness or irritation. Herbs like mullein and marshmallow root soothe the respiratory system and provide moisture. Calendula and chamomile are great for nurturing the skin, helping it stay hydrated and supple during the seasonal transition.

  • Mullein and Marshmallow Root Tea: Moistens and protects mucous membranes in the lungs.
  • Calendula and Chamomile Salves: Soothe and hydrate dry, irritated skin.

4. Mindful Eating and Nourishing Foods

Incorporate seasonal, grounding foods such as root vegetables, squash, and warming soups. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets nourish and ground the body. These foods, along with herbs like rosemary and thyme, warm the digestive system and promote digestion as the body adjusts to cooler weather.

5. Emotional Reflection and Grounding

Autumn is also a time of letting go, much like the falling leaves. This is a time to reflect and prepare emotionally for the stillness of winter. Calming herbs like lavender, lemon balm, and ashwagandha can support emotional balance and stress reduction.

  • Lavender and Lemon Balm Tea: Promotes calmness, relieves stress, and helps ease seasonal transitions.
  • Ashwagandha: Adaptogenic herb that helps manage stress and supports the body in adapting to change.

By embracing these herbal allies and practices, you can support your body, mind, and spirit in a balanced transition from the vibrant energy of summer into the reflective, nourishing energy of autumn.

It goes without saying that all of these herbs are available from my Practice. Please also get in touch with any questions regarding your health #oxfordherbal #autumnhealthandwellness

Embrace Wellness: Oxford Herbal’s Comprehensive Six Month Journey

Oxford Herbal Weekly: Restore Your Health Naturally

Unlock Your Health Potential with Our Six-Month Herbal Plan

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards holistic health and wellness? At Oxford Herbal, our six-month plan is meticulously designed to address the root causes of your lingering health issues using the power of nature. This isn’t just about masking symptoms; it’s about discovering and addressing the core of your health concerns for lasting well-being.

Experience the Expertise of Sarah, Master Medicinal Herbalist and Iridologist

Sarah is not just any Herbalist. With her expertise as a Master Medicinal Herbalist and Iridologist, she offers a unique approach that combines iridology—a non-invasive eye analysis—with personalised herbal solutions. Through close-up eye photography, Sarah can interpret the intricate patterns of your iris to gain insights into your body’s current state. This comprehensive understanding allows her to craft a bespoke herbal formula tailored specifically to your needs, consisting of up to 70 herbs. Imagine a remedy as unique as your fingerprint, supporting your body to regain balance and vitality.

Why Choose Oxford Herbal?

1. Personalised Approach to Healing

  • Bespoke Herbal Remedies: Each formula is crafted to suit your individual health profile, ensuring efficacy and safety.

  • Holistic Assessment: Sarah assesses not just your physical health but your emotional and spiritual well-being too.

2. Comprehensive Herbal Treatments

  • Diverse Formats: From tinctures and capsules to soothing herbal infusions, Sarah customizes the form of your treatment based on your preferences and needs.

  • Innovative Preparations: Sarah’s creativity shines through in her ability to transform complex herbal knowledge into understandable, actionable treatments.

3. Empowerment Through Education

  • Learn and Grow: Sarah empowers you with knowledge about your body and health, fostering a proactive approach to wellness.

  • DIY Workshops: Discover the joy of creating your own remedies with guided workshops, enhancing your self-care routine.

Real Results, Real Testimonials

Our clients consistently report significant improvements after just one or two sessions. Listen to what Jane, a long-time client, has to say:
“After years of dealing with chronic fatigue and digestive issues, Sarah’s plan was a revelation. The personalised blend of herbs not only boosted my energy but also restored my digestive health. I felt heard and supported every step of the way.”

Take Control of Your Health Today

Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you? Our six-month plan is your pathway to wellness, drawing on centuries-old wisdom paired with modern understanding. Remember, every iris is unique, and so is the journey to your optimal health.

Join the Oxford Herbal family today and experience the difference personalized herbal medicine can make.

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Embrace Autumn Wellness: Herbal Health Tips for a Vibrant September

Embrace Autumn Wellness: Herbal Health Tips for a Vibrant September

As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, it brings with it a perfect opportunity to focus on autumn wellness and embrace natural health solutions. Have you ever wondered how herbal medicine can support your journey to vibrant health during this season? Well, you’re in the right place. From boosting immunity to enhancing mood, the right wellness tips can make a world of difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some essential autumn health tips and health tips for September that will help you harness the power of nature’s bounty. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition or just looking to stay healthy, these herbal strategies can be your trusted ally in promoting a balanced and vibrant life.

Herbal Health Essentials

Autumn Wellness with Herbal Remedies

When it comes to autumn wellness, herbal remedies offer a gentle yet effective approach to maintaining health. One popular option is echinacea, known for its immune-boosting properties. As the season changes, you’re more prone to colds, and echinacea can help fortify your defenses. Have you tried incorporating elderberry into your routine? It’s another powerful herb that supports respiratory health. Additionally, consider adding ginger to your diet. It’s not only warming but also aids digestion, which can be particularly beneficial as we transition to heartier autumn meals. Herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, can also be comforting and help alleviate seasonal stress. Remember, these remedies are about complementing, not replacing, conventional medicine. So, why not explore these natural options and see how they fit into your lifestyle? You might just find that they make the transition to autumn smoother and more enjoyable.

Wellness Tips for September

As September ushers in the transitional phase of autumn, it’s the perfect time to adopt wellness tips that align with the season’s changes. Start by focusing on a balanced diet rich in seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins, and root vegetables. These foods provide essential nutrients and support your immune system. Have you considered the benefits of staying hydrated? As the weather cools, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Herbal teas can be a soothing alternative, keeping you hydrated and warm. Additionally, prioritize regular exercise to maintain energy levels and boost your mood. Even brisk walks can make a significant difference. Don’t underestimate the power of good sleep; it’s crucial for overall well-being. Incorporate calming rituals before bed, like sipping chamomile tea or practicing meditation, to enhance your sleep quality. Embracing these simple, yet effective strategies can ensure a vibrant and healthy September.

Embrace Natural Health Solutions

Embracing natural health solutions can be a game-changer for those seeking holistic wellness during autumn. Have you tried using herbs like turmeric? Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be a valuable addition to your health regimen, helping to ease joint pain that might flare up in cooler weather. Another beneficial herb is ashwagandha, which supports stress management and overall vitality. You might be surprised by how adaptogens like this can help balance your body’s response to seasonal changes. Incorporating essential oils, such as eucalyptus or lavender, can also enhance your natural health practice. These oils can be used in diffusers or baths to promote relaxation and respiratory health. Remember, it’s about creating a holistic lifestyle that integrates these natural remedies into your daily routine. By doing so, you’re not just addressing symptoms but promoting a comprehensive approach to well-being that aligns with nature.

Embrace Autumn Wellness: Herbal Health Tips for a Vibrant September

Embrace Autumn Wellness: Herbal Health Tips for a Vibrant September

As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, it brings with it a perfect opportunity to focus on autumn wellness and embrace natural health solutions. Have you ever wondered how herbal medicine can support your journey to vibrant health during this season? Well, you’re in the right place. From boosting immunity to enhancing mood, the right wellness tips can make a world of difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some essential autumn health tips and health tips for September that will help you harness the power of nature’s bounty. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition or just looking to stay healthy, these herbal strategies can be your trusted ally in promoting a balanced and vibrant life.

Herbal Health Essentials

Autumn Wellness with Herbal Remedies

When it comes to autumn wellness, herbal remedies offer a gentle yet effective approach to maintaining health. One popular option is echinacea, known for its immune-boosting properties. As the season changes, you’re more prone to colds, and echinacea can help fortify your defenses. Have you tried incorporating elderberry into your routine? It’s another powerful herb that supports respiratory health. Additionally, consider adding ginger to your diet. It’s not only warming but also aids digestion, which can be particularly beneficial as we transition to heartier autumn meals. Herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, can also be comforting and help alleviate seasonal stress. Remember, these remedies are about complementing, not replacing, conventional medicine. So, why not explore these natural options and see how they fit into your lifestyle? You might just find that they make the transition to autumn smoother and more enjoyable.

Wellness Tips for September

As September ushers in the transitional phase of autumn, it’s the perfect time to adopt wellness tips that align with the season’s changes. Start by focusing on a balanced diet rich in seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins, and root vegetables. These foods provide essential nutrients and support your immune system. Have you considered the benefits of staying hydrated? As the weather cools, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Herbal teas can be a soothing alternative, keeping you hydrated and warm. Additionally, prioritize regular exercise to maintain energy levels and boost your mood. Even brisk walks can make a significant difference. Don’t underestimate the power of good sleep; it’s crucial for overall well-being. Incorporate calming rituals before bed, like sipping chamomile tea or practicing meditation, to enhance your sleep quality. Embracing these simple, yet effective strategies can ensure a vibrant and healthy September.

Embrace Natural Health Solutions

Embracing natural health solutions can be a game-changer for those seeking holistic wellness during autumn. Have you tried using herbs like turmeric? Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be a valuable addition to your health regimen, helping to ease joint pain that might flare up in cooler weather. Another beneficial herb is ashwagandha, which supports stress management and overall vitality. You might be surprised by how adaptogens like this can help balance your body’s response to seasonal changes. Incorporating essential oils, such as eucalyptus or lavender, can also enhance your natural health practice. These oils can be used in diffusers or baths to promote relaxation and respiratory health. Remember, it’s about creating a holistic lifestyle that integrates these natural remedies into your daily routine. By doing so, you’re not just addressing symptoms but promoting a comprehensive approach to well-being that aligns with nature.

Why should you pay to come and see a Master Herbalist?

The Value of Herbalist Care

Amongst other things, I provide

In-Depth Understanding: Unlike a one-size-fits-all prescription, as a herbalist, I take the time to study each client’s condition thoroughly. This means understanding not just the symptoms but how they affect the individual’s entire body and mind.

Systemic Balance: I focus on identifying which body systems are out of balance. Instead of just addressing the symptoms, I work at restoring harmony within the body by targeting the root cause of the imbalance.

Bespoke Medicine: The remedies I create are carefully tailored to each client. This involves a deep understanding of how different herbs interact with each other and the specific needs of the client. Every herb in a formulation has a purpose, whether it’s to support digestion, calm the nervous system, or enhance immunity.

Holistic Approach: I consider the person as a whole, including their lifestyle, diet, emotional state, and environment. This comprehensive approach ensures that the treatment plan supports not just physical healing but also emotional and mental well-being.

Expert Knowledge: My expertise in herbal medicine is the result of years of study and experience. I understand the complexities of how different herbs work together and how they will affect the body. This is not something that can be replicated by simply buying over-the-counter supplements or prescription drugs.

While the cost of seeing a herbalist may be higher than purchasing a prescription, the true value lies in the personalised and thoughtful care I provide. My clients receive a treatment plan specifically designed for them, addressing not just their immediate symptoms but their overall well-being.

This approach fosters longer-lasting and more profound healing, supporting the body’s natural ability to restore balance and health.

Myelin and the Central Nervous system

As a Herbalist, I always offer my clients dietary advice to help with their condition. I am very interested in cognitive decline and how it can be avoided. Here are some small changes you can make to help with this.

Firstly, let’s understand why we get cognitive decline. It’s all to do with the myelin sheath..

Myelin is the fatty protective coating that surrounds nerve fibres – a bit like the insulation on an electrical wire.

Nerve cells carry messages between the brain and spinal cord and the organs and limbs of the body. They control everything we do – from how we move to how we think and feel.

As well as protecting the fragile nerve fibres, myelin also allows messages to travel quickly along the nerves without being lost or interrupted.

For example, in the nerve cells that extend from the spinal cord to the muscles in your leg, the myelin coating allows messages to travel up to 268 miles per hour. In nerve cells without myelin, the speed the message travels can drop as low as 1 mile per hour.

Why do we need to repair myelin?
If myelin isn’t repaired properly, the nerve fibres become increasingly vulnerable to damage, and over time the fibres become more worn and can be lost. When this happens, messages can no longer get through and symptoms become permanent.

This gradual, steady accumulation of the lack of myelin around the nerve cells can eventually lead to further health complications such as Multiple Sclerosis. This is why we need to find ways to put myelin back on nerves, protecting them from damage and getting the messages flowing again.

How can we repair and replace myelin?

The human body has an amazing natural ability to repair myelin and get nerves working properly again.

Myelin is repaired or replaced by special cells in the brain called oligodendrocytes. These cells are made from a type of stem cell found in the brain, called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs).

Nerve cells signal for help when their myelin is damaged.
When the signal reaches the OPCs, they travel to the site of damage and mature into oligodendrocytes. And then the damage can be repaired.

Early in the condition, this process works quite well. With the myelin replaced, the messages can travel down the nerve fibre again. Your MS symptoms may lessen or go away as the immune attack subsides.


But, with age and repeated attacks, this process stops working as effectively. It’s thought that OPCs stop responding to the nerve cell’s cry for help, and damaged oligodendrocytes can no longer effectively replace the lost myelin.

We need to find ways to kickstart this natural process again. This involves understanding everything about the process: from how nerve cells signal for help, to finding out what molecules help activate the myelin-making cells.


I can help you do all of the above with a formula of bespoke herbs.

Here are some of the best foods for myelin sheath regeneration and other myelin-related conditions.

1. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a crucial part of your nervous system health because it helps maintain your nerves’ myelin sheath. In fact, it’s such an integral part of your nerve health that having a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to symptoms similar to those of MS, such as weakness, numbness or impaired memory.

Foods high in vitamin B12 include:

Seafood like clams and crab
Nutritional yeast
Fortified soy products like tofu, soy milk and tempeh
Low- or nonfat dairy products like milk and yoghurt

2. Good Cholesterol
Cholesterol helps produce myelin and is an essential component of the myelin membrane, according to the July 2020 ​Biochimica et Biophysica Acta​ research​.​ Eating more cholesterol-rich foods was even linked to increased remyelination in people with MS, per a January 2017 study in ​Nature​.

Prioritise eating healthy sources of cholesterol, such as:
Nuts and seeds
Olive oil
Avocado
Eggs

At the same time, limit or avoid unhealthy cholesterol, which can put you at increased risk for conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

This includes foods with trans and saturated fats, such as:
High-fat dairy products like goat cheese
Processed baked goods like cakes and cookies
Fried or fast food

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that support healthy cell membranes (including nerve cells), help your immune system work well and provide energy, per the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS).

Research has linked the nutrient to a lower risk for demyelination, per an August 2018 review in ​Physiological Research​. However, it’s important to note that this is a link and not necessarily the cause of demyelination, which is why omega-3s have not been shown to reverse the course of myelin-related diseases like MS.

Here are good sources of omega-3s:
Nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax and chia seeds
Fish like herring, salmon and sardines
Oysters
Canola oil
Beans like navy and kidney beans
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and squash
Fruits like avocado and blackberries

4. Choline and Lecithin
Choline is an essential nutrient that helps the body produce some of the substances that make up the myelin sheath, according to the ODS. Lecithin is another nutrient found in many of the same foods as choline that likewise supports the myelin sheath.

Per the ODS, foods rich in choline and lecithin include:
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts
Certain beans like kidney and soybeans
Nuts and seeds
Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa

5. L-Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid that makes up important proteins in your body like collagen and elastin, per March 2017 research in ​Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity​. It can help support the health of your body tissue, including connective tissue like the myelin sheath.

It’s also a key nutrient in central nervous system function because it helps regulate nerve impulses, according to that same study.

According to the study, foods high in glycine include:
Meat like turkey, chicken and pork
Fish
Legumes like beans, lentils and peas.

Make these small changes to prevent cognitive decline but please also get in touch if you would like to talk to me about this and herbs that can help.