Herbalism is a mysterious area of natural medicine. You wouldn’t be blamed if it immediately brings to mind a vision of gnarled old women foraging for spiky little plants for yucky brown potions.
While the brown potions are definitely a ‘thing’, Herbalism today is far from that primitive image. The industry is booming, with many patients turning to natural options for medical issues. Many young and passionate health practitioners are picking up Herbalism Qualifications (known as Medical Herbalist) to compliment other medical training. Public health figures such as Dr Libby have added Herbalists to their teams. And many Nutrition-focused bloggers are turning to Herbalism to further their understanding of how medicinal plant potions can help improve health and wellness.
Products such as the Sleep Drops, Weleda’s medicinal range, Kiwiherb, Phytomed and Medi-Herbs liquid tinctures and tablets, are few of a vast number of companies that have incorporated Herbalism techniques to create natural, effective and accessible treatments – natural alternatives to conventional drug treatments.
Bodywise provides Herbalism expertise and products, and we take great pride and joy when seeing people’s well-being improve as a result of Herbalism. We talk to Bodywise’s resident Herbalist (and Naturopath) Bridget, about her path into Herbalism, exactly what it is, and how to find a qualified practitioner.
To speak to Bridget about how Herbalism can help you, please call us 03 546 8611, contact us here or pop into our Nelson NZ store.
Bodywise xx
Some symptoms of dehydration are:It may be easier that you think…
Follow the guidelines below and enjoy healthy food and exercise while you return to a healthy body and mind and lose a few kilos while you are at.
Think your way to a slimmer, fitter and happier self
How to minimise those persistent negative thoughts about feeling overweight and achieve your goals
To all our Bodywise community, we have found a tidy smaller venue and are thrilled with how it all works. Here is a link to the newsletter.
We look forward to seeing you, anytime you need us.
Using a sunscreen that’s free from harmful ingredients is as important as using any other body product, particularly for babies and kids.
In the common sunscreen, there are preservatives and liquids that can react with sunlight, that can cause skin irritation and induce cell changes.
While switching to a natural, non-toxic sunscreen can be a new experience (liquid consistencies and finish to the skin can differ from what you’re used to) they do protect you from the sun when applied as directed – without the dangers of toxic ingredients.
It only takes 45 seconds for substances to be absorbed into our blood stream through the skin, meaning that the nano particles, synthetic chemicals and fragrances in common sunscreens are all dangerous when applied in large amounts and often.
Watch out for…
Look for products…
We primarily recommend covering up the skin as primary protection, especially under NZ’s weak ozone layer. And when you must, use a sunscreen that does not contain harmful ingredients. Re-apply your chosen natural sunscreen (and insect repellent if required) every 2-3 hours, and immediately after swimming.
But which natural sunscreen brand should you choose?
No matter the sunny occasion, at Bodywise we have the perfect natural sunscreen for you and all your family members.
These are our nano-particle free recommendations for any family member and occasion, which use minimal preservatives and healthy oils to moisturise, protect and keep the skin healthy and radiant.
Green People
Organic and water friendly, Green People Sunscreen has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, is free 
from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances suitable for sensitive skin and prickly heat (when sweat gets trapped in your pores, causing itching and little blisters). This means it’s a great option for the kiddie winks and, really, anyone with sensitive skin.
Oasis
A fantastic natural alternative for babies as well as the whole family, Oasis Sun SPF30+ Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin, and comes in a family sized 500ml pump bottle for long weekend picnic days.
Oasis is also the perfect teens’ sports team sunscreen. Grab a large bottle for weekly practice and Saturday morning games.
Top skin specialists say to use a sunscreen on your face everyday, to prevent signs of aging. But if you’re smothering your delicate facial skin in toxic chemicals every day, what difference does really it make long term?
Coola
70%+ certified organic, vegan and cruelty free, Coola Suncare is a great option for either under makeup or on its own. For a shortcut, apply the tinted Coola sunscreen for moisturized skin. This leaves a luxurious matte finish, which is the perfect base for a little concealer and blush to finish a natural beauty look.
Soleo
Soleo was innovatively formulated following Naturopathic principles, without the use of any chemical UV-absorbers, titanium dioxide, or synthetic preservatives. It’s water resistant, neutrally scented, has a low skin irritation factor, and contains natural, organic ingredients.
Ecotan
The natural coconut sunscreen from Eco Tan has a light-weight feel and a delicious tropical coconut scent. Jojoba oil, rosehip oil and Vitamin E nourish the skin whilst providing SPF 30+ UVA and UVB protection. Plus it’s up to 3 hours water resistant.
Some may find the finish of the clear product a little white (as the zinc sits on the skin), but if you are not to fussed about that (as you’re too busy having fun in the sun), it’s a fantastically protective product. If this does bother you, there is a tinted version, which actually gives your skin a lovely tanned glow (counteracting the potential white finish).
Natural Instinct
Natural Instinct products contains Zinc Oxide UV blockers to reflect harmful UV rays. It’s hydrating formula provides a broad UVA and UVB protection, and an invisible finish. It’s skin conditioning Jojoba Oil, Shea butter and Vitamin E help to replenish and deeply moisturise the skin.
Did you get burnt?
We know you do not wish to get sunburnt, and in case you do, try our wonderful After Sun lotion from Dr.Hauschka to heal painful skin.
Pop in store and check out all these fantastic products. We have testers so you can try on your own skin and see what feels and looks best for you and your family. Our friendly staff are extremely knowledgeable about natural sunscreens and will answer any questions or concerns you may have.
From the Bodywise Team xx
At Bodywise we support people who wish to use a scientifically based weight loss programme along with positive coaching, and specific herbs and supplements to enhance digestion, normalise blood sugar levels, promote healthy thyroid function, and very importantly support mood through this path to wellness.
Talk to us if you need help to reach your healthy weight and return yourself to wellness
For weight management it may be as simple as the old adage. read on for information on recent research in the area of weight loss management.
Living in an urban culture with food offerings every 50m, makes for extreme temptation for those desparate to lose weight. Diet programmes abound and 2 of the latest that have been researched are user friendly as they are focus on choosing the time that you do and do not eat as well as the quality of your food intake. They are the Time-restricted feeding (TRF) and the 5:2 diet that have made big headlines
Today, with the abundance of artificial light, TV, tablets and smartphones, adults and children are burning the midnight oil at their peril. What they are not burning is calories: with later bedtimes comes the tendency to eat.
A new study by researchers at the Salk Institute cautions against an extended period of snacking, suggesting instead that confining caloric consumption to an 8- to 12-hour period–as people did just a century ago–might stave off high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
The results, published December 2, 2014 in the journal Cell Metabolism, add to evidence that it’s not just what we eat but when we eat it that matters to our health. “Time-restricted feeding (TRF), a key component of intermittent fasting regimens, has gained considerable attention in recent years. TRF allows ad libitum energy intake within controlled time frames, generally a 8-12 hour range each day. Human data support the findings of animal studies and demonstrate decreased body weight (though not consistently), lower concentrations of triglycerides, glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These preliminary findings show promise for the use of TRF in modulating a variety of metabolic disease risk factors”
http://www.salk.edu/news/pressrelease_details.php?press_id=2062
High Caloric intake at breakfast vs. dinner differentially influences weight loss of overweight and obese women
What researchs have found firstly in mice and then in a study on over-weight women was that a high-calorie breakfast with reduced intake at dinner is beneficial and might be a useful alternative for the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24739093
For five days you eat a healthy normal eating pattern, with a sensible choice of calorie control and a slice of pie for pudding if that’s what you want. On the other two days, you reduce your calorie intake to 500 calories for women and 600 calories for men. As you are only fasting for two days, either together or apart each week, and eating normally on the other five days, there is always something new and tasty on the near horizon. In short, it’s easy to comply with a regime that only asks you to restrict your calorie intake occasionally.
How many calories on a non-Fast Day?
You may have wondered how we came up with the recommendation that women have 500 calories and men have 600 calories on a Fast Day. We used the rule of thumb that women need 2000 calories and men need 2400 calories per day and on a Fast Day you should eat a quarter of a normal day’s recommended calories. Some of you have also wondered exactly how many calories you should be eating on days when you’re not fasting.
We thought we’d bring everything together in one place for you so you can do the calculations here. You can use the calculator on the right to calculate your BMI, BMR (basal metabolic rate) and TDEE (total daily energy expenditure). We’ll go into these in more depth below.
Calculation of BMI (body mass index) BMI is a calculation of body fat based on height and weight. It has several limitations: it’s not accurate for pregnant women, people under 5 feet tall, and people with very muscular builds. It also does not account for age and the standard recommendations do not apply children or teens.
Calculations of BMR (basal metabolic rate) Basal metabolic rate – the amount of calories you expend sitting for 24 hours doing nothing. We are using the Mifflin-St. Jeor equations (above) to estimate your BMR which is believed to be more accurate than the more commonly used Harris-Benedict equation.
Calculation of the TDEE (total daily energy expenditure): This is the number of calories you need daily to maintain your current weight and is about the amount you should eat on the days you’re not fasting. It depends on how active you are. Regular gentle exercise burns up calories and is good for you. Do it!
People love to overestimate the exercise they do, so if in doubt, you should choose the lower activity level as the amount you exercise will affect your calorie consumption.
Activity levels
Sedentary : Little or no exercise. Drives rather than walks, takes the lift rather than the stairs, has a desk job or restricted mobility).
Lightly active : Light exercise or sports 1-3 days per week but do not have an exercise regime as such, or exercise or play sports less than three times a week.
Moderately active : Moderate exercise or sports 3-5 days per week. This is the level for people who keep up a good fitness regime that fits into their daily life.
Very active : Hard exercise or sports 6-7 days per week.
Extremely active : Very hard exercise or sports more than once every day and a physical job.
Period pain is a painful reality for 90% of women yet few seek health advice thinking it is normal. It is not normal, infact it tells us you have a hormonal imbalance.
Period pain is not something you have to put up with, lifestyle and dietary changes, nutritional supplements and herbal remedies can help!
Natural inflammatory chemicals released by the body trigger contractions of the uterus, constriction of blood flow to the area and an increased sensitivity of nerve endings cause pain.
A number of factors can add to the likelihood of you suffering from period pain.
The good news is that lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements and herbal remedies offer a return of hormonal balance and wellness. Diet, sleep, exercise and weight loss (if needed) are the first steps to reducing period pain and re-establishing hormonal harmony. Ultimately the steps below lay the foundation for prevention of oestrogen hormonal imbalance that often starts before puberty.
The best herbal prescription will be made by a qualified herbalist or naturopath and individualised to your symptoms. They may also use other herbs to treat the underlying conditions including those of endometriosis, PCOS, weight issues and insulin sensitivity.
If you’re suffering from period pain, let one of our herbalists offer you relief, call in and have a chat, or phone us: 03 5468611
Homeopathic and Herbal Medicines for Chicken pox
There has been a lot of talk about chicken pox lately, so thought it time to visit the amazing potential from the use of homeopathic and herbal medicines. We have used such as the following on used on babies, children, men and women over the last decade at Bodywise. They can reduce symptoms and complications. If in doubt always get the guidance of a qualified naturopath, homeopath and of 
course see you doctor.
Chickenpox starts with a few red spots or bumps that change into blisters or pimples, and then into open sores that form a crust. This eruption can be accompanied by fever and sores may occur in the mouth and genital area. The fever is usually directly related to the state of the rash: the bigger the rash, the higher the fever.
Those remedies below in capitals are the most commonly used homeopathic remedies
ACONITUM: This remedy should be considered at the initial stages of chickenpox when there is fever, restlessness, and increased thirst. Another remedy, Pulsatilla, is used at the onset when children may have a few spots but no obvious fever, but are very clingy, sensitive and off their food and drink.
Antimonium crud: Most striking characteristic of this remedy is the very irritable disposition, white coated tongue, and skin eruptions aggravated by exercise and warmth of bed, room or bathing/showering. The irritability is displayed as anger and short tempered behaviour. An adult may actually describe this internal sensation of extreme irritability, with or without a large skin eruption.
Apis: Children who have itching and stinging pox that is worse from heat and in warm rooms and better from cold and in cool rooms should be given this remedy, but without the irritable mood of Antimonium Crudum.
Belladonna: Chickenpox with severe headache, fever, flushed face, hot skin, and drowsiness with the inability to sleep well should be treated with this medicine.
RHUS TOX: This is the most common remedy for chicken pox. Children and adults experience intense itching, especially at night and from scratching. They are very restless and can have high fevers but not as intense as Belladonna.
Later Stages: While the remedies above can reduce the severity of symptoms, later during the course chicken pox, the vesicles (blisters) may became pussy, which, with some manuka oil and creams mention below, will clear and heal. If, however the patient becomes more unwell, feels quite toxic, tired, feverish, sweaty, and with a changeable temperature and metallic taste in the mouth, then homeopathic mercury is often the answer. At this point, it would be wise to check with a doctor and get guidance from a trained homeopath, as other remedies may be indicated.
In homeopathy the practitioner is always interested in finding out what was going on around the time a new pattern of dis-ease occurs. Abbreviated to NBWS – never been well since; when a patient has never been well since an infection such as chicken pox, or a vaccine, medication or chemical exposure, one of the potential remedies is always the homeopathic version of the cause of the problems. With chickenpox the remedy is homeopathic varicella. Again get advice from a homeopath.
Herbal tonics can be useful for their anti-viral actions, to reduce fever symptoms, aid healing and provide a lift after the illness has passed. Used for many centuaries herbs such as echinacea, willowbark, hypericum, melissa, thuja and pau d’arco are used to reduce symptoms and promote a healthy immune response during the acute stages and for post-viral fatigue.
Herbal Creams and lotions containing, calendula, chickweed, hypericum, turmeric and goldenseal can relieve itching and promote healing, especially when the spots, vesiciles appear in intimate places. Bathing can be very soothing providing it is not to hot. Add oats, made like a porridge, to reduce the itching. Apply creams afterwards, including the mouth or genital areas, always using gloves. We have a variety creams and lotions all ready at Bodywise.
For specific homeopathic remedies and herbal tonic, get guidance from our Naturopath Bridget at Bodywise.
If you are worried about the effects of too much rich food and alcohol, then here are some helpful tips?
Firstly, back yourself and your body will be grateful
If you are interested please contact us and we will keep you posted. – Just go to the contact button on this page. Merry Christmas.
Places are limited so reserve your place here
|
Shingles is not fun and can become a far more serious condition than chicken pox. The good news is that from our Bodywise Herbal Dispensary, there are ways to relieve the symptoms of the effects of the virus, fatigue and pain, and prevent the relapse of shingles with herbal medicine and nutritional supplements. Our naturopaths prescribe antiviral, immune boosting herbal medicines and supplements, and a great pain relieving cream. However treating stress, it’s a debilitating viral infection, is also essential.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster (chickenpox) , and usually lies dormant for decades without A natural approach to treating shingles and herpes cold sores are similar as both thrive in a body with a weakened immune system. The herpes family of viruses are particularly effected by a person’s L-arginine to L-lysine ratio. These are amino acids found inside the human body and from protein containing foods. There must be a greater level of arginine in the body for herpes viruses to thrive. Lysine is found in proteins, dairy, and most vegetables. Arginine is found in nuts, chocolate, and tomatoes. Ensuring that the diet is higher in lysine foods, until the outbreak passes if very important. 2,000 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C along with adequate supplementation with Zinc, and Selenium and for those living and working indoors most of the day light hours, Vitamin D3. Capsaicin is a very useful application for Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, that can last long after the initial rash and blisters disappear. A double-blind study of 32 elderly patients with chronic postherpetic neuralgia were treated with either capsaicin cream or a placebo. After six weeks almost 80 percent of capsaicin-treated patients had relief from postherpetic neuralgia. Hypericum and peppermint also make the pain less unbearable.  Herbal medicines to prevent shingles and to relieve the symptoms can really help? As stated earlier, a naturopath can put all the essential herbs that are have anti-viral properties, stimulate the immune system, reduce fatigue, enhance liver function and provide pain relief. Initially usual pain relief is required. Treatment will need to be used for several weeks along side moderating any lifestyle habits that hinder healing.Come in to Bodywise and we will prescribe a herbal medicine to reduced the effects of the virus, relieve the symptoms and lift your energy.
|
Unopened cosmetics stored correctly, can stay fresh and usable. However when they are stored in hot or humid conditions (like the bathroom) and are exposed to air, bacteria can breed, posing a risk of infection to your face, eyes and lips.
It is often impossible to tell if cosmetics are past their prime so use Spring as an excuse to throw out any old products, especially mascaras which should be replaced every 3 months. Any ingredient separation or funny smell is a sign it is time to replace a product.
As a rule of thumb, apart from mascara your products should be replaced every 12 months, every 6 months for liquid eye products such as liquid eyeliner or cream eyeshadows as our eyes are the most susceptible to infection. Be extra careful with eyeliners by sharpening them slightly before each application, however they will last 12 months.
With their waxy texture, Lipsticks have the longest lifespan and can last up to 2 years. However, avoid sharing lipsticks and lip-gloss to reduce risk to your lips. Brushes should be washed weekly with a mild shampoo as they are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Join us upstairs at Bodywise for yoga and lunch,
on Wednesdays to lift your energy and release the stress in the shoulders and neck.
Come in your comfey work clothes – this is a no sweat class aimed at the busy people who sit at a desk and need to relieve the tension in the back and shoulders. For those who do want to change into yoga clothes facilities are available.
Bring your lunch to have afterwards on our sunny deck overlooking Bridge St
A complimentary Herb Tea will be available .
Spaces will be limited so phone Noa now 0279185492 or email
When applying Herbatint for the first time, make sure to use the whole mixture and cover all the hair. This will ensure even coverage. For applying Herbatint on previously tinted hair just apply to the re-growth at the roots but take through to the ends for the last 5- 10 minutes only if you feel hair colour has faded. Avoid putting colour through to the ends every time you re-colour or you will get a build up of colour over time.
How to use Herbatint as a ‘Quasi’ or ‘Demi’ result which lasts 16 – 18 washes. Not recommended to cover grey but it is an ideal way for first time users to experiment without having long lasting results.
Mix: 30 mls Herbatint 15 mls Normalising Shampoo 15 mls Glycol Developer
Apply colour to hair that has been shampooed and towel dried. Leave to process for 20 -25 minutes before shampooing off.
The Normalising Shampoo should be used as part of the colouring process as it has been formulated to neutralise and halt further oxidisation. The Royal Cream Conditioner has also been formulated to close the cuticles on the hair shaft and seal in the colour. Whilst the cuticle remains open hair could feel coarse and porous.
damage associated with fractures.
Herbs for Asthma, Croup & Coughs
Exasperated by winter coughs, croup and asthma – herbs to the rescue at Bodywise.
Many parents feels helpless when faced with croup and asthma, but thankfully there are many herbs that reduce the spasmodic cough and wheezing allowing everyone to get some sleep. Herbal medicine can be used by infants and children, all the way to the elderly and their susceptibility to chest problems.
At Bodywise we can tailor make a herbal tincture to meet your needs. While we may know of the common herbs there are many others including the following that have antiasthmatic, bronchodilating and expectorant activities and importantly antiallergenic actions that calm the immune response to any environmental stressors that effect the respiratory airways. Read more here and then come into Bodywise for a liquid mix of herbs unique to your or your child’s situation.
Adhatoda
Adhatoda has antiasthmatic, bronchodilation and expectorant activities. Assists breathing by making the sputum in the airways more fluid, enabling a productive cough. This herb is also recommended for long term use in adults and children.
Grindelia
Grindelia is an expectorant herb with bronchospasmolutic activity, is recommended for the treatment of spasmodic respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
Baical Skullcap
Baical skullcap is traditionally used in respiratory disorders with coughs and fevers. This herb has constituents which reduce histamine production in the body. Therefore Baical skullcap demonstrates antiasthmatic and antiallergenic actions.
Sundew, also known as Drosera
Sundew has antispasmodic, bronchial muscle relaxant and anti-asthmatic actions. This herb helps relax the muscles in the chest and lungs, and is therefore supportive in respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and dry, painful coughs.
For scientific references please contact Bodywise
To all our Bodywise community, winter, even if more mild this year, is time to promote our circulation to keep well and motivated until spring is with us.
Check out this newsletter to warm your heart and soul
Be Bodywise: Reduce stress, improve work performance and health by taking lunch outside.
Are you tempted to eat lunch at your desk, take the briefest of breaks or not take any lunch break at all? You are not alone. However this habit, as you are entitled by law to take proper lunch breaks, may actually hinder your health and work performance. Removing yourself from your desk and actually stopping to eat can actually enhance your creativity, work output and health. At Bodywise this is actively encouraged and it really works.
For a start, the best power-lunch should include all three major food groups – carbs (yes carbs) from vegetables and/or whole grains; a protein such as lean meat, eggs, beans or nuts; and a healthy fat like olive oil or avocado. Carbohydrate is the brain’s primary fuel, however protein and fat have distinct roles helping our brains to think straight as well. Humans, like all mammals need a constant supply of energy to function optimally. For ions these food groups have literally fuelled our brains from infants to old age. Humans, like all mammals need a constant supply of energy to function optimally.
Second; there are many other performance advantages to stepping away from your computer and going outside. Some fresh air, sunshine and a walk will improve mood, stimulate circulation and metabolism, release tension in muscles and those of your eyes involved in staring at a computer screen. This time out will even reduce your stress hormones that can keep us on edge and awake at night. Even getting close to a window with a view will help. The best break will be found in a park surrounded by nature. This is the natural habitat for humans.
So make an appointment with yourself, and maybe a friend or work colleague and head for the great outdoors. For time efficiency, make an extra meal at dinner and place straight into a container to become a soup or salad for the following day. No cueing, starchy bread or expensive lunches need to be endured any more.
Taking a purposeful lunch break will refresh your creative thinking and productivity, your relationship with your colleagues and best of all yourself. This truly is a constructive and Bodywise lifestyle choice.
How Your Food Is Cooked Affects Your Health – Eat More Raw!
We constantly hear about food sensitivities, alkaline foods, gluten free living, organic foods, vegetarian or high protein diets and so on, but could it be that how food is cooked affects our health!
Humans existed long before we discovered fire and learnt to cook food, therefore it would be reasonable to assume that humans were designed to subsist on raw foods. There is growing evidence that consuming more raw foods can have health benefits for all ages and including improvements in hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia due to a reduction in inflammation and an increase in antioxidant activity.
Having said that, the beneficial effects of cooking some foods will destroy nasty microorganisms and inactivating undesirable phytochemicals in certain foods (such as the trypsin inhibitor in soybeans or the oxalic acid in silver beet), which allows for a greater variety of foods that we can consume.
From our first mouthfuls as babies to our oldies in long term care and everyone in between and the over-cooking of food at home or excess of processed food from a take-away or the supermarket is contributing to chronic disease. Cooked food, sometimes called brown food, lasts longer on the shelf, in the fridge and may seem cheaper, but in the end is costly to our cellular health
Over frying, broiling and roasting food create AGE’s that:
• produce a number of toxic compounds called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
• lead to the destruction or leaching of essential nutrients from weaning to old age
• decrease our ability to digest our food, especially for infants and later as we age
• potentially provoke an unwanted immune (allergic/inflammatory) response in the body
• play a role in insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory and carcinogenic diseases
• accelerate the aging process
Highest AGE content foods
• All food that is cooked at higher temperatures and in the absence of water.
• High-fat and high-protein foods such as meat and cheese
• commercially prepared breakfast foods, snacks and meals
How to Reduce the Amount of Dietary AGEs
• Raw foods are virtually devoid of AGEs. More than half your meal and all your snacks should be raw.
• Cooking at lower temperatures and in the presence of water results in little AGE formation
• Choose boiling, poaching, and stewing over frying, broiling and roasting, may decrease daily AGE intake by up to 50%.
• Microwaving foods increases their AGE content only modestly, similar to boiling
There is a great deal of research on this subject so if you wish to read more see this article and some of the links to more research on the effects of AGE’s. Here is a recent publication by Mark AB et al. Consumption of a diet low in advanced glycation end products for 4 weeks improves insulin sensitivity in overweight women.
causing any symptoms in those who had chicken pox earlier in life. However the underlying cause for the activation of the virus may be strongly associated with a lack of fresh fruit and veges, acute stress and loss of sleep, resulting in lowered immunity and fatigue. The conditions allow for the reactivation of the virus which passes along nerves appearing appearing anywhere on the skin as a painful rash and blisters lasting for two to four weeks. Early intervention with conventional medicine can be very successful, but for many that brief window of approximately 48 hours is missed. The usual conventional medicines offered include very strong pain medication, which for some clouds their thinking and at worst creates uncomfortable side effects.