THE RURAL NATUROPATH
  • Home
  • Consultations
    • Practitioner background
    • The Toolbox >
      • What is Naturopathy?
      • Conditions treated
      • Massage
    • Pricing
    • Resources
  • Enquiries
  • Shop

Red Valvet Latte

15/11/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture


​This baby is my afternoon indulgence and is super simple to make at home!

The Mix
1 1/2 tsp Cacao Powder
1/2 tsp Beetroot powder
1/4 tsp Vanilla bean paste
1/2 tsp Honey (to sweeten if desired...I do)

Mix together until dissolved in approx. 60mls of hot water and then top up with frothy hot milk!
Makes 1 cup
It's just like a cafe version. Go ahead and play with the proportions x

Suggestions:
Add a sprinkle of Cinnamon, Ginger or Cardamon to spice things up. Play with the combos until you get your favourite :)

Good for:
  • Cacao is good for Calcium, Iron, B vitamins, Magnesium, resveratrol, flavonoids, serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine.  All great at uplifting your mood with a feel good feeling!
  • Beetroot powder is a good source of Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, phosphorus, silica, B6 and folate and many other antioxidants.  Great for your brain, circulation, liver, blood and cardiovascular health.
  • Local Honey is good for helping your immune system adjust to the pollens in your area before spring as a gentle exposure.​
0 Comments

Rongoā: Traditional Māori Medicine Part 1

12/9/2018

0 Comments

 
Its nearing the end of Māori language week and I thought it would be great to highlight some of our traditional medicines.  The New Zealand bush is rich in history, culture, beauty and its also a  source of native plants you could use in your life for medicinal purposes.
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum)
The pharmacy of the forest! This is a potent plant that is beneficial for easing the digestive system by helping ease digestive pains and indigestion, it is also a great winter tonic and helpful for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and tonsillitis.  Topically it is ideal for cuts, boils, abscesses, wounds, eczema and toothache.  The leaves can be steeped in boiling water and taken as a tea.  Kawakawa extract contains volatile oils and lignan's it has many herbal actions and they  are depurative, carminative, anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Analgesic, Antidyspeptic, Diuretic, spasmolytic and diaphoretic.  If your after Kawakawa for external use try our Kawakawa balm it is amazing for eczema!.

Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
This is one of our most famous pharmaceutical quality medicines noted for its healing ability world wide. Whether its the essential oil or honey made from the Manuka flowers.  This little beauty is used for IBS, IBD, diarrhoea, gastric ulcers and stomach infections. It is also used for colds, flu and fevers; but also as a mouthwash for gum disease and mouth ulcers.  Topically its used for wounds, cuts, sores, acne, bacterial or fungal infections, haemorrhoids and anal fissures. Manuka also comes in the form of a herbal extract and its constituents are volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids, triterpene acids and derivatives. The herbal actions of Manuka are antimicrobial, astringent, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-ulcerogenic, diuretic, spasmolytic and sedative.

​Koromiko (Hebe stricta)
Internally this native is really effective for severe diarrhoea and stomach pains, but it also  stimulants appetite.  Topically it is used for weeping and inflamed sores, ulcers, nappy rash, mouth ulcers and even dental infections.  It is most effective in herbal extract form, but young leaves may be chews for digestive complaints or a poultice can be made for topical ailments. The active constituents in Koromiko are Tannins and alkanes, but it has many herbal actions including astringent,  antidiarrheal, antibacterial, carminative, choleretic, emmenagogue and spasmolytic properties. Traditionally its was used in ritual ceremonies and healing of the sick. The Tohunga would use Koromiko for its spiritual and medicinal powers.

Kumerahou (Pomaderris kumeraho)
This native stands out in respiratory conditions its a bitter herb but great for stubborn coughs, bronchitis, asthma and any broncial or pulmonary conditions. Along with helping our respiratory system it is also used for skin diseases like eczema, wounds, sores or rheumatism. In herbal extracts its consituents are saponins, flavonoids, and ellagic acid. Its herbal actions are depurative, expectorant, antidyspeptic, antirheumatic, aperient, and vulnerary.  Traditionally the flowers could be used as a soap substitute.

For further information on these plants send me a message via the booking form
Hope you enjoyed a little run down on our very own medicinal resources x

References
Booker, S., Cambie, R., & Cooper, R. (1987). New Zealand medicinal plants. Auckland: Reed.
Rasmussen, P. (2001). Therapeutic uses of NZ Native phytomedicines. Auckland: Phytomed.
Riley, M. (1994). Maori healing and herbal. Paraparaumu: Viking Sevenseas
Rhys Jones, 'Rongoā – medicinal use of plants', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/rongoa-medicinal-use-of-plants (accessed 16 September 2018)
​

0 Comments

Lemon Bliss balls

5/9/2018

0 Comments

 
These are deliciously easy to make, all you need are the ingredients, a plate to roll the balls in desiccated coconut and a food processor!

Lemon bliss balls 

INGREDIENTS
1 Cup Raw cashews
1 Cup desiccated coconut 
Zest of 1 lemon (or 3 little ones if your tree is producing small ones like ours at the moment)
Juice of 1/2 - 1 lemon dependant on how lemony you like it
10 drops of Dōterra's Lemon essential oil
1/2 tsp of natural vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of Maple syrup
1 tsp of Honey 

Extra desiccated coconut to roll the balls in after

METHOD
1.  Place all the first section of ingredients in a food processor in the order written and blend until the mixture is like a sticky crumb. 
2.  Now roll the mixture into balls. I use a tsp of mixture with slightly wet hands.
3.  Roll the balls in extra desiccated coconut to coat them.
4. Place covered in the fridge to set ( You can eat them straight away too). They should last up to a week in the fridge, well that is if they last that long! If your making more you can freeze and defrost as needed. 

These are great for kids lunches or as an afternoon treat.  Adapt with protein powder, superfood powders, or play around with the ingredients to use what you have in the cupboard also :)

0 Comments

Cool, calm & collected on the outside, but struggling on the inside....

2/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

​Emotional struggles or stress can have an overwhelmingly negative impact on your health. 

From tension headaches, digestive upsets, to throwing your hormones out of balance. Whether it’s a lack of confidence holding you back, your agonising over something, fearful over different things, suffering with grief, a sudden adversity, tough breakup or thoughts that are circling in your head and stoping you from falling asleep...Bach flower remedies might be able to help you process and work through those emotions.

We all know how absolutely amazing RESCUE REMEDY is right? Well there are actually 38 remedies! They work just as subtly, but in different ways and can be utilised to help you and your family - they are perfect for any age.

It’s only $19 for a mini email consult and includes your tailored remedy (+ postage).

Life can throw us some difficult experiences its up to you to ask for tools to help.  Whether its emotional support like bach flowers or counselling for understanding yourself a little better;
nutritional support (this can have an incredible effect), gentle dietary changes (long term support) or lifestyle changes...they all can help bring a different light on your situation. 


Flick me an email at kirstin.naturopath@gmail.com for more info if you think you need something more - book in for a naturopathic consult to get your body systems all working in harmony.
 #stress #emotions #lifehappens #dontforgetyouramazing #bachflowers #rescueremedy #naturopath #medicalherbalist #naturalremedies #naturalmedicine 
This cool doodle is from @josie.doodles check her page out on Instagram for lots of really cool drawings!
0 Comments

The role Naturopathy has in your Health care

1/2/2017

0 Comments

 
Naturopathy is a blend of traditional healthcare knowledge, science based nutrition, herbal medicine and other natural medicines or therapies.

As a Naturopath you look into & address the symptoms affecting your client; but also the root cause &  trace the health decline along with possible outcomes if it continues.  Its prevention as well as a natural approach to health care.

Naturopaths don't replace other Medical professionals like GPs or Specialists they all have an important role in providing you with the best health care to meet your needs.

Naturopaths in NZ train through one of 3 Specialised Colleges all meeting the government recommendations.  Generally its 3 years full-time study or it can be broken down into part-time study.  It requires thousands of hours of study, research, & client care learning - not only about Natural medicines, but the science behind the human body.  It's looking right down to the biochemistry, pathophysiology & then physically in massage as well.  This provides Naturopaths with a complete understanding of how the body works providing a whole body approach - Mind Body & Soul - so they can advise clients on how to achieve improved health & wellness. 

Health store workers & Pharmacists do a great job advising on natural medicines for you to take to help address your health needs.  But, without having the time spent conducting a full case take (1-1.5hours initial, behind the scenes research & brainstorming along with face-to-face follow-ups addressing change in circumstances) they're not going to be able to see the whole picture & you might not see the results you'd hoped for.  This is where you can spend a lot of time & sometimes un-nessary money just to  presume natural medicine doesn't work.

You might also be taking wonderful supplements, but are they the right ones....are they the right form for the best absorption & are they actually what your body needs first? 

Did you know...there are 13 types of Magnesium.  They don't all absorb or work the same way.  Some are great for your nervous system (Sympathetic & Parasthestic), Musculoskeletal system, Cardiovascular system, only one crosses the blood brain barrier & is helpful for depression.  Did you also know a healthy person can only absorb around 20-30% they've ingested be it food or supplement sourced. 

This is where a naturopath comes in they are highly qualified & trained to analyse your case to clinically find the best plan just like a lawyer handles there lawsuits and court preparation to be prepared to achieve the best outcome for they're clients.

Kirstin x
BHSc(CompMed), DipNat, DipHerbMed
Naturopath & Medical Herbalist
0 Comments
    Picture


    Oh hey there!

    'Im Kirstin a qualified Naturopath with a Bachelor of Health Science in Complementary Medicine, Diploma of Naturopathy,  Diploma in Medical Herbalism and currently studying a Diploma in agribusiness management!

    I graduated in 2012 and studied with the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine in Ellerslie and Charles Sturt University, Australia.

    I've had varied experience in many industries over the years from a former Bar & Restaurant Duty Manager to Cafe Duty Manager and a Relief milker & Calf Rearer to a 7 year Stable Foreman in charge of several racehorses.

    Although I love healthy food and nutrition; I'm not anal about it. I have a full background and my past experience reflects this in the way I approach health and wellbeing. I believe food should always be delicious while nourishing our bodies and life should be well lived and balanced! 

    I'm also a proud owner of a gorgeous Labrador, wife to a supportive healthy food loving Dairy Farmer and the heart and soul behind my Clinic - my baby and passion.

    I hope you find inspiration from my blog posts. I'm trying to get more regular with posts... since I'm more or less a perfectionist I find when publishing literature it takes me a while to analysis my references and not get distracted by finding more amazing publications on other topics along the way haha.  So check out my Facebook page for more frequent quick posts and tips!

    - Kirstin x

    Archives

    November 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    February 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

© Kirstin Anderson 2014. All Rights Reserved.          
  • Home
  • Consultations
    • Practitioner background
    • The Toolbox >
      • What is Naturopathy?
      • Conditions treated
      • Massage
    • Pricing
    • Resources
  • Enquiries
  • Shop