Stress. We all have some stress in our lives or we would not be living life. But for some of us, stress has become a vicious cycle keeping us in a state of fight, flight or freeze response. This can impact our physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.
Self-empowerment is critical in managing and responding to stress for better health outcomes. This can be from making simple lifestyle changes to seeking professional help to navigate symptoms.
Treatment is complex but must be based on personalised care as individuals respond differently to stressors and coping strategies.

​I was excited to find that a herbal medicine formula I contributed for digestive dysfunction was included in a publication by one of our herbal medicine manufacturers “ Clinical Herbal Formulas. A collection of herbal formulas from Australian practitioners for Healthcare professionals only”.
Although the formula was a neat little package, our formulas and treatment plans are a bit more complex ensuring therapeutic goals are met with measurable outcomes for our patients, generally within a fortnight.
Formulating a naturopathic treatment plan is multi-layered using herbal medicine, supplements, dietary guidelines, testing, education and advice on lifestyle factors. It is a balancing act treating symptoms, supporting the function of the organs such as the digestive system, liver or kidneys, and raising the patient's immunity and/or vitality.
The focus of any treatment plan is always addressing the root cause of the problem rather than suppressing symptoms.

The thesis for my Masters in Psychotherapy was expected to be “ Treating Depression – Psychotherapy/Counselling versus Psychotherapy/Counselling and Herbal Medicine”. However, after a run-in with my professor and clinical placement, I changed my thesis to “ The Innocence, ignorance and arrogance of family violence”. Promptly after finishing my Degree I rolled a weely bin to my door and threw all my thesis material in it. In another set of circumstances, besides being in private clinical practice, I worked as a sessional facilitator of voluntary and court-mandated family violence group programs for over 10 years.
But deep down I have always been uncomfortable with the subject matter due to its complexity, and the pain of all parties; there are no winners. It is hard navigating the thin line between getting people to take responsibility and be accountable versus the levelling of shame and blame.
In March 2022, I dressed this post up in my blog as " Recognizing abusive relationships" because a lot of us including me a professional who has studied and worked in the family violence sector dislike the word " Family Violence".
But I think as individuals, then as a collective we need to face the facts and the devasting impact of family violence and rise to name it, label it and address it.

Creating a successful detox program requires an understanding of the body's detoxification process, the use of evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle strategies and a personalised holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
By combining the science of detoxification with the art of customization and holistic wellness a detox program can be effective, enjoyable and sustainable with measurable outcomes.
Winter is a good time not only to detox your body but also to detox your emotional and mental health along with decluttering your lifestyle.

Last month hubby and I did a quick runner to the wilderness of Tasmania for a long weekend. We loved the solitude of fresh mountain air, sunshine, delicious food, warm log fireplace and jazz blasting, as we admired the silent reflection of the lake. Hubby enjoyed star gazing with an app on his phone that showed the constellations and stars. Lol.
Although we didn't have electricity or internet service. Nothing could beat the time spent admiring nature with gratitude and deep-down joy. So true the simple things in life are the best... It was peace and contentment with a dash of sunshine and music.

A common condition that can affect most of us at some time in our lives. It is more than just tiredness it is a dragging feeling of mental and physical exhaustion where you get to a point of " I don't care".
By itself, it is not a serious condition but it can be a sign of other underlying causes. It should be addressed if it is not relieved by healthy food, good sleep, fresh air, sunshine and feeling the love around you.

For a lot of us, we often accept the chaos or are dragged into chaos and we sacrifice our inner peace to keep other people happy or maintain the status quo.
Just to shake things up can you imagine what life would be like if we -
#Choose to break patterns and be assertive.
#Accepted that our sense of peace is just as important.
#Sat with the discomfort of being judged, and feelings of guilt.
#Revelled in the sense of peace and empowerment when we decide on self-care.
My suggestion is to go for inner peace………..

With an increase in allergies and sensitivities, we are seeing a lot more skin conditions in the clinic. It is hard for adults but it is especially hard with children as it affects them on multiple levels.
Sometimes simple measures such as a change in diet can make a huge difference, hydration, outdoors and basic essential supplements.

​As a nutritionist, I often get asked about supplementation and review people's self-medication of vitamins and supplements and a range of products.
My general rule is "If you don't need it, don't take it". "Less is often more" and " if it has the power to heal it has the power to harm". You need to take into account the dosage and timing of taking the supplements as they can compete with other nutrients or need other nutrients to be absorbed. So it is important to always seek professional advice, especially for health conditions. When taken correctly for the right reasons supplementation should have measurable health outcomes.
Like a lot of natural products, the quality is graded (low grade vs high good quality) and subject to multiple factors; including price where you pay for what you get.
As a nutritionist, I often get asked about supplementation and review people's self-medication of vitamins and supplements and a range of products.
My general rule is "If you don't need it, don't take it". "Less is often more" and " if it has the power to heal it has the power to harm". You need to take into account the dosage and timing of taking the supplements as they can compete with other nutrients or need other nutrients to be absorbed. So it is important to always seek professional advice, especially for health conditions. When taken correctly for the right reasons supplementation should have measurable health outcomes.
Like a lot of natural products, the quality is graded (low grade vs high good quality) and subject to multiple factors; including price where you pay for what you get.

​This was a difficult post to do, given that in Ballarat we are still in shock and disbelief with the loss of 3 women in a very short time.
For a lot of us, we are still processing and trying to make sense of these recent multiple events. This has been compounded by the events in Sydney.
As a community, we are united in our collective grief and loss as our hearts reach out to the loved ones of all involved.
For some of us, during this time of mixed emotions, a silent prayer is all we might have to offer. Please take care and lots of love and hugs.
Please reach out if needed to support services Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732.

Recently multiple personal, local and international events have raised the emotion of righteous anger. This anger raises its head and is directed at the perceived arrogance/injustice of individuals, policies and large corporate companies.
I celebrate righteous anger in the right context and am grateful for its role in trailblazing changes that motivate us to challenge unhealthy relationships, unethical behaviour, policies, and social injustices.
In clinical practice and self-reflection sometimes the internal debate arises, is it righteous anger or being smugly virtuous? (I am catholic after all and there is no better place for me to look than in the mirror for this distinction.) Now might be a good time to quote Martin Luther King “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

As a medical herbalist, I love herbal medicine. My excitement and enthusiasm in the clinic for blending herbs have not diminished over time.
Given the bitter taste of herbs, I am always intrigued by how people are still drawn to herbal medicine for various reasons, including cultural traditions, safety and effectiveness, and a desire for natural remedies. Most people do like the balancing effect of herbs and the sense of health and vitality that they can bring.
Here are some key concepts in understanding herbal medicine.

​One of our more popular programs addresses the link between allergies, reactivity, and gut health.
The gut is home to a vast and diverse community of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining gut barrier function. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a condition known as dysbiosis, where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones, potentially leading to inflammation, leaky gut and a compromised immune response resulting in allergies.
The program is 6 weeks which includes consultations, dietary guidelines, and products. You can pay in full or pay as you use.

Alcohol has become an intrinsic part of modern-day culture and it plays a central role in most people's social lives. Heavy drinking is seen as acceptable in almost all social situations, from weddings to sports matches, funerals or baby showers. Whether we win or lose; are stressed or relaxed we have increasingly turned to alcohol.
According to our Government, which regularly benefits from increasing taxes on alcohol -
"Potential short-term effects of alcohol include hangover and alcohol poisoning, as well as falls and accidents, conflict, lowered inhibitions and risky behaviours. Long-term alcohol consumption contributes to more than 200 different types of diseases, insults and injuries".
Maybe some of those taxes can be used for a more strategic campaign to deal with the impact of alcohol?

Choices and consequences are intimately linked in our lives, forming a fundamental part of human experience.
Choices reflect our ability to make decisions and take action and consequences are the results or effects of our choices, whether intended or unintended, immediate or delayed.
Ultimately, the interplay between choices and consequences underscores the significance of mindful decision-making in navigating life's complexities. By understanding the implications of our choices and taking thoughtful action, we can shape our present and future destinies.

DNA testing has given us major advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of gout with the discovery that the Uric Acid-ABCG2 genotype plays a central role in providing instructions for making the protein that helps release urate into the gut so it can be removed from the body.
However, variants or ABCG2 dysfunction is a possible major cause of early-onset gout. Using DNA testing or personalised medicine has helped in the assessment of at-risk patients; disease prognosis and prevention, by providing personalised diet, nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle advice in clinical practice.

Oxalates
Post-Xmas, Oxalates (oxalic acid) appear to be a hot topic with an increase in inflammation, joint pain, poor circulation, and aching in the body. The development of gout is further linked to large deposits of oxalate crystals in the body, commonly occurring in the joints of the feet.
Good or bad. For most people, oxalates are okay. However, those with altered gut function and painful inflammation may need to pay a bit more attention to high oxalate content in their diet.

Honestly, I could not wait to do this post after visiting our little nephew in Sydney during the recent holidays. He is bursting to start school this year and his parents are full of apprehension.
As a parent, I do remember holding my breath and tears (good and bad) and riding the waves of highs and lows that our children experience at school. But deep down we all know that children are resilient and braver than we believe, stronger than they seem, smarter than we think; when they are loved more than they know unconditionally, we can give them wings so that they can fly high!

​My resolution for 2024 is that I need to get a life and have more fun. Why?
I spent part of the holidays doing DNA refresher courses and quizzes that required a 90% pass. As much as I do love the material, the biochemistry and pathways can sometimes do my head in; but at the end of the day, I do love it!
One of the things that fascinates me when I analyse DNA reports is the excitement when people can pinpoint who they inherited certain characteristics from and the links to family traits or diseases.
Your genes are not your destiny. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to diet, nutrition fitness and disease prevention. However, Nutrigenomic (DNA) testing identifies your unique genotype.

​So beautiful to catch up for a picnic lunch with a colleague/friend under the shade of a beautiful tree in Ballarat. Loved it! Discussion from case management, and herbal medicine to iridology, to life, in general, feels so much more connected under a beautiful tree. All of this added to the current book I am reading about authentic living. Love this statement. ( KISS) "keep it simple sweetheart - you don't live only once, YOU Live every day but you die Only once." Love it!

Love the phrase "Success is consistency over time" which emphasizes the importance of commitment. The "Long slow road to" is so versatile and can be applied to various contexts depending on the specific situation or goal in mind. I love the fact that it underscores the idea that meaningful achievements or transformations often unfold gradually and require sustained effort over time.
Changing ingrained thought patterns takes time and consistent effort.

I recently watched “ The antidepressant story” on Four Corners. Then, an acquaintance suggested I watch the true story of Painkiller on Netflix. By this stage, I could not bring myself to watch Pain Hustlers on Netflix based on a true story.
An increasing problem, prescription drug use can affect all age groups, including teens”. Worse is the compounding nature of “Symptomatic treatments” where medications are continually added to address the side effects of the primary (main) medications.
An ideal approach would be where treatment options focus on symptoms and the cause of the disease; with a holistic approach to preventative care that includes medicines, nutrition, diet and lifestyle options.
Please do not change your medication or regime unless discussed with your health care professional.

Heart Health Matters
For some reason, a lot of us believe that heart health is generally relegated to the elderly or even worse that it occurs mostly in men. According to the Heart Association, 90% of women have at least one risk factor for heart disease at some point in their lives, especially postmenopausal women. However many heart diseases are under our control to some extent where we can control diet, exercise, sleep and manage stress.

​Always had a fascination with Energy medicine but found it hard to wrap my brain around it. When I first saw Dr Masaru’s video on water consciousness I was blown away.
Love the phrase "pay attention to intentions." This phrase highlights the importance of considering the motivations and goals behind actions or words. The concept of karma plays a significant role in these energy medicine belief systems and is often understood as a fundamental principle governing the consequences of one's actions. Have an awesome week.