Walnut flower essence

  Posted 4/8/2017 by Tania Murphy.

"The Ideal Bach remedy for protection and adjustment to change".

It is the simplicity of these remedies that is as fascinating to me as is their potential to balance mood and  emotions.

Bach flower remedies work on transforming the negative aspect of an emotion, bringing us back to our centre and to well-being. The remedies are safe for all to take, from babies to the elderly and do not interfere with other medication !

Although, any of the  Bach flower essences could be said to help with change, Walnut, is the official remedy for adjusting to ‘changing circumstances’ in life.

Be it, life changing decisions like moving house or country, to developmental change like puberty,  change is inevitable !

If we are finding it difficult to  adjust to a new situation, perhaps feeling out of sorts or somewhat vulnerable due to a changing circumstance, then, Walnut would be the ideal remedy to bring us back to balance and strength, ensuring a smooth acclimating.

Just as the strong outer shell of the walnut protects the soft nut within, so does the remedy itself create a ‘shielding zone’ between us and, what is happening in our environment. We are able to take everything in, without becoming overwhelmed.

Situations where one may find Walnut beneficial would be:

Pregnancy, Marriage, birth

New school, new job, new house, new country

Teething, puberty, menopause, retirement, death of a loved one

Letting go of old patterns,(smoking/start a new diet), attachments, beliefs,

Spiritual growth

Shields against outside influences , people draining your energy

Over sensitivity (emotional and energetic)

Change of seasons

Political regime

It is possible to marry Walnut to other remedies to help alleviate more complex aspects of change/protection. For example if the person is finding it hard  to remain present and has a tendency to daydream, then ‘Clematis’ can be added to help with grounding.

If , change has brought about some anxiety, uncertainty or fear then ‘Mimulus’ may be  added to Walnut.

During puberty, a person may become overly concerned with their appearance, due to embarrassment or skin eruptions, like acne. Here, a good remedy to add would be

‘Crab apple’. This essence will encourage a positive self-image.

Remedies can be mixed for you by a professional in the store or, you can buy the remedy bottle to have at home and mix in your own dropper bottle.

Bach flower remedies can be added to hot or cold drinks or food and are safe for babies, children , adults , animals and plants. Bach remedies do not interfere with any other medication.

For further reading please refer to   http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/firstpag.htm

Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial Aromatherapy Oils

photo by Evah Smit

There is no medical evidence to suggest that our ability to ward of disease diminishes in the winter.  However,  with so many more bugs about and with the changes in living circumstances (central heating and less fresh air) it is certain our immune systems are putting in some overtime.

Burning or diffusing (or making a room spray) with anti-bacterial and anti-viral aromatherapy oils is a positive step in the line of defense,  particularly for those  working with the public, flying regularly, or working in air conditioned buildings.

The following oils are known to have anti-viral and/or anti-bacterial properties :

Bergamot, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lemongrass, Melissa, Rosemary and Thyme.

Applying a combination of these oils will offer protection.

However,  caution is required,  as they could be potentially irritating to sensitive skin types.

I would therefore recommend applying these oils diluted in Aloe Vera Gel to the feet (tougher skin than the body and very effective absorption),  or place 4 drops of the above oils on a handkerchief and inhale from time to time.

If traveling, prepare a few of these tissues and keep in a zip-lock bag.

• For an adult mix a total of 10 drops of Essential Oil (from above suggestions) into 5ml (a teaspoon) of Aloe Vera Gel and apply to both feet morning and evening.  Larger quantities can be made for convenience e.g. 100ml Aloe Vera Gel (10 tablespoons) add a total of 150 drops of Essential Oil.  (this is approx. 3% concentration)

Using Essential Oils regularly will help to support the immune system.  The following oils are popular choices and  less irritant to the skin than the above mentioned ‘big guns’ .

German Camomile, Geranium, Lavender, Tea Tree and Ravensara. Dilute and add to the bath, apply to the feet, diffuse (aromatherapy burner) or make an atomiser spray.

The importance of following correct dosage and using genuine, high quality Essential Oils is paramount to efficacy and safety.

c. Ellen Cox (Atlantic Aromatics) September

Aromatherapy, Helpful, Handy Hints

• Shower-   A few drops (3-6) of citrus oil (Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Orange) on the floor of the shower (away from the plug hole) makes a very refreshing start to the day.
• For an evening shower try Lavender or Camomile.  Any of the oils   good for respiratory ailments i.e. Eucalyptus or Thyme could be     used in this way after or during a cold, useful where there is excess mucus.

• Radiator -  A few drops of oil on a tissue and over the radiator gives an instant aroma in a room, very useful with elderly people or young children (where the flame from a burner could be a concern).  Also very nice if you are away travelling, not all hotel rooms are well aired and this is a quick and easy solution.  Lavender and Camomile are good for bedrooms, whereas Bergamot or other citrus may be a little livelier for other rooms.

• Mattress -    When changing the bed sheets, 10 – 20 drops (in total) of Lavender and Tea Tree oil will freshen and help deter unwanted inhabitants!

• Hoover -  Everyone knows how musty and smelly a hoover can become.  Try approximately 10 drops of either Lemon or Lemongrass (something strong and zesty) onto the filter inside your hoover.  As soon as you turn on the machine you get a fantastic fresh aroma.

• Car -  Keeping a bottle of a stimulating oil in the car can be very useful.  Peppermint for instance is refreshing and good for nausea, a few drops on a tissue and inhaled is a simple and easy method of use.

Alternatively you could sprinkle a few drops on the carpet floor, this is also useful for dispelling unwanted odours.  Ensure you select an oil that you like and avoid sedative oils like Lavender and Camomile, not a good idea while driving.

• Room Freshner Make your own personal favourite scent. The Atomiser is a very effective room or car freshner. Use oils with fresh and zesty aromas e.g. Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon or Bergamot.Just blend the oils in water or in a floral water (5ml essential oil into 100ml of water would be a good strength).  Always shake vigorously before using to disperse the oil.To promote restful sleep or to calm over-excited children, you can use Lavender or CamomileFor a party Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood or Orange.For a sick room, use antiseptic oils like Tea tree or Lemon.For study, Rosemary or Basil.

• Clothes Freshner- Whilst ironing, the atomiser used to ‘mist’ Lavender Water will lightly scent and freshen clothes beautifully.

• Dish cloths and Fridge– Dish cloths can become a little stinky, a few drops of Lemon oil and then rinse will freshen and disinfect.  Wiping out the fridge with this will help dispel unpleasant odours.

• Mop – to freshen up the mop add 4-6 drops of Citronella, Lemongrass, Lemon or May Chang Summer Blend to the water in the mop bucket

• Insect Repellant - Using 100ml of water (or Lavender Water) add 5ml of Citronella (alternatively, you can use Lavender, Lemongrass or Eucalyptus if Citronella is not your favourite scent.)  Shake vigorously before use.  Spray around a room or onto clothes before going outdoors.

Available in the shop.

Sore Throats, Mouth Ulcers. How to Treat them the Natural Way

Just one look outside says enough: It’s that time of the year where little viruses are looking for warm throats to find a home.

Here is a natural way to treat sore throats:

For a sore throat or mouth ulcers there is really no better remedy than sage (Salvia officinalis).

It’s a simply grown perennial evergreen shrub available in any garden centre and one no garden ought to be without.

Make a tea and drink, with honey if preferred, or let it cool and use as a gargle or mouth rinse. Because of it’s strong antibacterial properties (as evidenced by its scent) it works every time

Chia seeds

by Rosanna Farmer

picture by Gabriella Ruellan

Salvia Hispanica, commonly known as Chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, that is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala.

Chia seeds were documented to exist as a food in 3500 BC. It was cultivated by the Aztec and was so valued that it was given as an annual tribute by the people to the rulers.

Known as the running food, its use was as a high-energy endurance food, on which the Aztecs subsisted during conquests.

Chia seed is currently consumed in Mexico, the United States and South America, but it was not widely known in Europe, until recently.

The seed is now available in Irish health food shops. You can buy them whole or ground.

Nutritional Benefits

Chia has the highest and safest concentration of Omega 3, antioxidants, fibre, protein & phytonutrients of any plant source on the planet.

It is gluten-free, trans-free, sugar-free, pesticide-free and non GMO

It contains:

600% more Omega 3 than salmon

500% more Calcium than milk

300% more Iron than spinach

100% more Potassium than bananas

1400% more Magnesium than broccoli

100% more fibre than bran flakes

500% more protein than kidney beans

200% more Selenuim than flax seed

800% more Phosphorus than whole milk

more antioxidants than blueberries

Chia may be beneficial to:

reduce cholesterol

type II diabetes

maintaining healthy blood pressure

increase energy levels

hormonal health

osteoporosis

muscle recuperation

menopause

gastrointestinal health

mental health

weight loss

sugar balance

arthritis and other inflammatory conditions

How to include Chia in your diet

There are many ways to eat Chia seed. It makes a great addition to any food because it doesn’t distort flavour.

You can eat them whole and enjoy their nutty flavour, or they can be ground and mixed with anything you like.

Add Chia to cereal, porridge, yogurt, smoothies, salad, soup, salsa and dips, cottage cheese, nut butters , flour for breadmaking, pancakes, cookies or muffins.

You can also make Chia Gel , which can then be added to sauces and dips, or to water or juice. It will keep you feeling full for longer, so you’ll be less likely to snack.

Chia Gel Recipe

use a 9:1 Ratio of water to whole Chia seeds

pour water into a sealable plastic container

slowly poor Chia seeds into the water while briskly mixing with a wire whisk

wait a few minutes then whisk again

let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes

whisk again before using

store in the refrigerator in a covered container

the Chia gel will keep for up to 2 weeks.

The gel can be added to creamy/liquid food items such as jelly, jam, yogurt, mustard, ketchup, salad dressing, butter, barbecue sauce, puddings, etc.

The gel doesn’t affect flavours, offers nutritional benefits and cuts calories.