Negativity attracts negativity. Positivity attracts postivity.

“The power of the word is real, whether or not you are conscious of it. Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to realise. Behind every word flows energy.”
Sonia Choquette

Our thoughts and beliefs influence every aspect of our lives. Louise Hay is one of many people who promote the use of positive affirmations. An affirmation is anything we say or think. She suggests we have got stuck in the habit of saying negative affirmations to ourselves, and we can effectively re programme our minds to think positively by using positive affirmations. This article explores whether and how they work, and the reasons they may fail.

Bad habits are very hard to break and negative patterns of thinking are habits we have often been built up over a life time. Many of the beliefs we develop over time, may have actually have been passed onto us by significant adults during our childhood. We build up beliefs by being continually exposed to behaviour, or by being constantly told something. We then use the ways of thinking/behaviours we have learned, to react and respond to everyday events in our lives. Often our learnt thought patterns can be dysfunctional and sabotage our efforts to succeed later on in life. Being told as children that we are not very bright, for example, may lead to not believing we are capable and lead to us not undertaking an academic course, which may further our career.

Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool in challenging fears, and negative patterns of thought. A positive affirmation is essentially a strong statement reassuring us everything is ok despite our minds predicting the worse case scenario. By saying these affirmations we are attempting to change our learnt thought patterns, and replace negativity in our mind with positive thoughts.

There are many reasons why affirmations don’t work for people. Psychologists suggest the first step towards change is awareness that you need to change. The second step is acceptance; i.e. accepting that you do talk to yourself negatively, and the last step is action, and taking steps to make the changes. One reason may be that that people don’t actually want to change, or are not prepared to put the work in that may be needed. We may also be comfortable with the life thinking negatively has created. An example could be if a person has had bad experiences/trauma and they find by continuing in the role of the victim, they are cared for and looked after in their relationships. If they start changing their thought patterns and become more empowered it most certainly will change their relationship dynamics.

You can continue along as you have been, or you can choose and make an effort to think thoughts to make you feel good. By doing this you are effectively saying to your subconscious mind ‘I am taking responsibility, I am aware there is something I can do to change.’ This can be done by starting to pay attention to your thoughts, so you can then eliminate experiences you don’t want in your life.

While the idea of changing your thought processes sounds simple, it is not simple and it is not always easy. Our subconscious mind has been busy throughout out lives developing patterns of thought and behaviour, and is very likely to resist any attempts to change these patterns. While we consciously may recognise that our thought patterns may be sabotaging our success, attempting to change established thought patterns may lead to conflict between the subconscious and the conscious mind. However by not focusing on the difficulties of the task ahead, being patient, taking small steps and not expecting big results right away, and allowing positive affirmations to permeate your consciousness they will eventually become a part of you.

Self help guru; Susan Jeffers author of ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ believes if you say affirmations enough you will really start to believe them, and this works due to acting ‘as if’ they are true. An affirmation is not just a sentence it represents a new way of life, and as we imagine ourselves as strong and powerful ultimately we will become more empowered. It is suggested we have the power within ourselves, and affirmations are part of a process which helps us recognise and act on this power.

Another reason why some people don’t find affirmations beneficial, is they have trouble believing what they are saying. We often really believe what we saying to ourselves, when we berate ourselves with negative self talk, and this makes these negative affirmations all the more powerful. Believing what you say to yourself is often to key to whether affirmations will work or not. Affirmations are statements set in the present tense. Saying to yourself ‘I am healthy and love and care for my body’ when you are overweight and don’t do any exercise, or ‘I have all the money I need to pay all my bills’ when you are in debt, is likely to register as a lie in your mind and therefore be ineffective.

The key to making affirmations work for you is not to pick affirmations you find completely unbelievable. Saying affirmations such as: ‘I am a loving person and my friends love me’ is more believable and more likely over time to re-programme negative ways of thinking about yourself, and help you feel more happy and confident. Another advantage of saying affirmations is that you don’t need to find extra time in a possibly already busy schedule to say them. Affirmations can be said while you are doing other things such as; the washing up, driving your car, or walking.

However it is important to keep saying them, as a lack of consistency is another reason why positive affirmations may not have the desired effect. An example of being inconsistent is if you say a certain affirmation to yourself for ten minutes every day while you are doing the washing up, and then spend the rest of the day saying to yourself ‘I am useless at this job’ ‘They won’t like me anyway’ ‘I am so stupid’ etc Well these are affirmations too, and as this negative self talk is so engrained, and often said with much feeling, it is likely to win over the positive self talk.

If you are consistent, you can use affirmations to chip away at negative thought patterns. By repeating the affirmations again and again throughout the day, you may find they start automatically popping into your mind, and eventually you start developing a new habit of thinking positively. Writing your affirmations on post it notes and sticking them around your house, so that you will notice them throughout the day, is one way to remind yourself to say them regularly. The more you choose to think thoughts to make you feel good, the quicker the affirmations will begin to work.

Louise Hay also makes a connection between dis-ease, ill health, and negative thinking. However claims that specific illnesses and diseases such as cancer, are caused by negativity and that you can cure yourself with positive thinking, may be why positive affirmations have had a bit of a bad press, and why they are often considered kooky or weird. However having said that there have been studies that suggest that a positive mental attitude, can boost our immune system and enable us to resist and fight illness more effectively.

What is clear is that that they way we think does affect our lives. A positive frame of mind does help us cope more effectively with the every day stresses and strains of life. Every thought we have counts, and starting now we can choose to not waste our thoughts.

You can make up your own affirmations. However you may find it easier to use affirmations other people have written until you got into the habit of doing them a bit more. There are many books and CDs available which you may find useful, or you can find many affirmations on the internet. I would recommend looking at these websites:

www.vitalaffirmations.com
www.susanjeffers.com
www.aplacefortheheart.co.uk

Here are a few to get you started:

I am willing to release negative thoughts. My new thoughts are positive and fulfilling.

My views and opinions are important and I choose to be heard.

Life is simple. What I give out comes back to me. Today I choose to give love.

I forgive myself for not being perfect, and love myself exactly as I am. Every mistake I make is yet another opportunity to learn.

As I think positive and beautiful thoughts, I attract positivity and beauty into my life.

The past is my history, the future is my unknown. I choose to live in the present.

Today, no person, place or thing can irritate me. I choose to be at peace.

I choose to feel good about myself. I am worthy of my own love.

I am in the process of positive change. I now express health, happiness and piece of mind.

I remember the past, learn from it, then release it. I love who I am.

I am unlimited in my own ability to create the good in my life.

My home is filled with joy, love, laughter, and understanding.

The only life I have control over is mine and only I control my life.

This is my time to be free to be me, and have the good things in life because I am worth it.

I choose to release myself from fears and doubt. I accept myself and create peace in my mind and heart. I am loved and I am safe.

The ABC of Super-foods

On Jax writer’s spot I have posted many articles on the health benefits of particular foods, mainly due to developing an interest and knowledge about nutrition, after my eldest daughter developed food intolerances almost 20 years ago. By scrolling down through the years you can find these articles, including in 2007: ‘Wonderful watercress’ (September), ‘Starve a fever feed a cold’ (November), ‘Aloe Vera Natures treasure chest’ and ‘Can a change in diet help reduce hyperactivity in children Part1&2 (both October), ‘Treating cystitis naturally’ (August) and ‘Fatigue; Eating for energy’ (May).

Scroll through articles in 2008 for: ‘Herbs for cooking and Health’ (August), ‘Feeling peckish Ditch the sugar and fat and pick a smart snack’ (June), ‘Super-nutrients out of the sea’ and ‘Super-nutrients out of the water’ (April), ‘Water water everywhere, but what water should we drink’ (March), and ‘Berry berry good for you’ (February).

Or look through articles this year: ‘A recipe for a clear complexion’ Part1&2 (both April), ‘Fast lives and fast foods Isn’t it about time we slowed down’ (March), and Ginger first aid on a plate (February).

This article is the first in a series, looking at an ABC of foods which have deemed super-foods. Eating a healthy balanced diet involves eating a variety of different foods including; fruit and vegetables, wholemeal and wholegrain foods, and protein such as fish, meat, eggs and lentils, and some milk and dairy foods.

Alfalfa sprouts
Contains: vitamins; E and K, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and sodium.

Alfalfa has been dubbed ‘the father of all foods’ and is high in protein, vitamins and minerals. It has been suggested that alfalfa can support the liver, and also act as a general tonic; stimulating the digestive system, encouraging peristalsis and therefore reducing constipation.

Sprouting seeds increases their vitamin content. As alfalfa sprouts are newly germinated, they contain all the concentrated nutrition that plants need to become fully grown, and are therefore a powerhouse of nutrients and digestive enzymes. Alfalfa’s high mineral content is reported to be beneficial for bone health and alongside this has a high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll absorbs energy from the sun to facilitate photosynthesis in plants. It is claimed in humans it has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. It is also suggested chlorophyll is a powerful detoxifier and can help with the uptake and delivery of oxygen around our bodies.

Almonds
Contains: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, folic acid, vitamins; B2, B3, and E.

Almonds are said to have a particularly high content of fibre, vitamin E and magnesium and have a third more protein than eggs. They contain vital minerals, and should ideally be eaten the same time as foods high in vitamin C, as this will ensure the minerals are effectively absorbed. The oil in almonds is said to be very soothing. Almond milk has been recommended by herbalists for years for digestive upsets and respiratory problems. To make the milk; soak 2oz almonds in warm water, peel them, mash them, add 2pints of water and strain and add honey. This recipe can be combined with barley water for urinary tract ailments.

Almonds are reported to be very high in antioxidants. One study found that the flavonoids found in the skin of almonds, combined with the high levels on Vitamin E in the body of the almond, doubled the antioxidant effect. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats (the same fat as found in olive oil), which have been associated with reducing the risk of developing heart disease.

Apples
Contains: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, Vitamin C, beta-carotene and pectin.

‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is a saying most people are familiar with and there is much evidence to support it. Apples have a high antioxidant content including vitamin C. Antioxidants have been shown to help protect the body against cell damage, and can be therefore very useful in the fight against heart disease and cancer. Apples therefore are very useful in protecting the body against these diseases. It is suggested one apple can provide a quarter of the daily requirement of vitamin C.

Pectin, a soluble fibre found in apples can help keep cholesterol levels stable. In one study carried out in France eating two apples a day resulted in participant’s cholesterol levels dropping by 10%. Apples are also known to help with digestion, and are general detoxification. Studies have suggested that pectin binds to heavy metals such as mercury and carries them out of the body. The malic and tartaric acid contained in apples can help neutralise the acid by-products of indigestion.

Artichokes
Contains: calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sodium, folic acid, vitamins; B3, C, and K, and beta-carotene.
Artichokes are well known in France for being a friend to the liver. Extracts of artichoke are actually added to bitter alcoholic beverages intended to stimulate the appetite and soothe the liver, after an evening of overindulgence. The active ingredients (concentrated mainly in the leaves) which seem to support the liver are the antioxidants ‘silymarin’ and ‘cynarin’ which act on the liver, promoting bile flow, and stimulating the regeneration of liver cells.

In European folk medicine artichokes are also used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks. Studies have provided evidence that they are indeed good for the heart, as they have been shown to be able to lower cholesterol. Artichokes are considered a useful cleansing and detoxifying plant particularly useful for anyone suffering from arthritis or gout.

Artichokes can also improve digestion; they contain ‘inulin’ which stimulates bacteria in the gut, and contain a good amount of fibre which helps regulate the digestive tract. Studies suggest that artichoke extract may help alleviate symptoms associated with irritable bowel conditions. Being a natural diuretic, low in calories but high in nutrients, artichokes are considered a good food for dieters.

Avocado Pears
Contains: iron, copper, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamins; A, K, B5, B3 and E.

Avocado pears are a nutrition rich complete food, supplying protein, starch, and monounsaturated fats. They are very easy to digest and make an excellent food for convalescents and people suffering from stress. Avocados are rich in potassium, a deficiency of which can cause depression, fatigue and poor digestion. Potassium is also an important mineral for regulating blood pressure, and an adequate intake of potassium can help prevent circulatory problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. They are high in vitamin K which is important for healthy blood, and the iron and the B vitamin content can help with producing energy, while magnesium in avocados is essential for good muscle health.

Women who are dieting may have been warned off avocados due to their high fat and calorie content; however they can actually be a dieter’s friend, as due to containing protein and essential fats they can help manage blood sugar levels and control appetite. The essential fat content of avocados can also be beneficial for brain function, and keeping the skin well moisturised. Research suggests avocados promote the production of collagen which can help maintain the skins elasticity and suppleness.

Recent research undertaken suggests that avocados may reduce the rate of oral cancer cell growth, and therefore help prevent mouth cancer. Scientists at the Ohio University believe this may be due to high levels of phytochemicals. Avocados are also full of antioxidants, which have been shown to fight free radicals and protect the body from cell damage.

Hurray, hurray, it’s the first of May, Outdoor mating starts today
The celebration of Beltane

Before the advent of clocks and calendars, people were more in tune with nature’s timing; without electrical lighting they woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down, and they followed the cycles of the seasons as opposed to being a slave to the 24/7 hectic lifestyle most of us follow today.

Following the cycles of nature; eight seasonal festivals have traditionally been celebrated throughout Europe, predating Christianity. These festivals are often referred to as sabbats, a word which originates from the Greek work ‘sabatu’ meaning to rest or pause. The English word ‘sabbath’ and the Hebrew ‘shabat’ both also originate from ‘sabatu’ Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. Traditionally the festivals also reflect the lifecycle of the gods and goddesses throughout the year.

Beltane is one of these Celtic festivals, and has been celebrated for thousands of year on various dates from the end of April till mid May, but is now most commonly celebrated on May the 1st. Beltane comes from a Celtic word meaning the ‘Fires of Bel’. Bel is the name of the Celtic sun God, and means bright one. Thanking Bel for bringing more sunshine and helping the crops grow is very much part of the festival.

In the wheel of the year Beltane celebrates the beginning of longer lighter days with the sun setting later in the evening. It marks the beginning of the season when herds are driven to summer pastures. Beltane celebrations were not only felt to be important to ensure the coming year’s crops would be bountiful, the festivities were also an opportunity for families and communities to get together, and take a well earned break from working the land.

Fire has always been an important element in any Beltane celebrations. Cattle would often be passed between two fires as the smoke was thought to ensure the fertility of the herd, as well as guarding them from evil influences. The lighting of fires was also believed to be cleansing and purifying. Reported rituals of the past include the Celts leaping over fires to bring good fortune, and young men circling fires holding Rowan branches, which was thought would protect them from evil. Protection from evil was very important to the ancient Celts, as at the two turning points of the year (Beltane and Samhain on October 31st) it was thought that the spirit world was very close at hand, and these were days of much evil activity. Traditionally all fires would be extinguished, and a sacred bonfire would be lit in the centre of the villages. Fires in people’s homes would then be lit from this source. The bonfire represents the burning of the old to make way for the new.

Fire is still a part of some Beltane celebrations today, such as in Edinburgh where there has been a revival of Celtic and Scottish folklore. Since the 1980’s on the evening of the 30th of April people carry torches of fire in a procession to the top of Calton Hill. Archways of fire symbolize the gateways between earthly planes and the spirit world. The celebrations start with a procession led by the May Queen and the Green man. The May Queen then crowns the Green man, and in a ritual which symbolises the end of winter, the green man takes off his winter clothes to reveal a spring costume.

Hundreds of people perform and take part in the celebrations. It has become renowned for its amazing colour and costumes including; the white warrior women, the blue men representing the elder/spirit guides of the event, and the scantly clad lustful red men, who try to disrupt the procession with mischievous behaviour.

The May Queen, in the Edinburgh celebrations symbolises the Celtic triple goddess, who goes through 3 stages (virgin, mother and crone) throughout the year. Ancient Britons believe the crone aspect of the Goddess turns to stone on Beltane eve, and the goddess becomes the maiden/virgin, ready to become the mother. As the goddess is now ready for a sexual union with the god, a union which is believed to bring all creation into being, Beltane traditionally celebrates sex and fertility. It is thought that the God (that the goddess gave birth to at the Winter solstice) achieves maturity, so can now become the goddess’s lover.

Beltane was the most overtly sexual festival. ‘Hurray, hurray, it’s the first of May, Outdoor mating starts today’, comes from a version of a rhyme many North American teenagers still chant today. It is a remnant of the past we have mostly forgotten, and hints at our primal instincts suggesting May 1st was a day of sexual freedom, and a time for lovers to meet and make love in the woods.

Beltane was a time when young lovers would proclaim their love for each other, and new partnerships would be formed. Rituals include young men and women collecting foliage and blossoms which symbolise female fertility. The white blossom of the Hawthorn, which would be won during Beltane celebrations, was believed to have magical properties. It was thought to be unlucky to take hawthorn blossom inside the house apart from on May Eve. It has also been suggested that before the development of a universally recognised calendar, the blooming of the hawthorn was the signal for the Beltane festivities to begin.

Even though May day celebrations are not so openly sexual today, the festivals sexual origins are still very evident. May poles, for example, planted deep into the ground (impregnating the earth), symbolised the phallus of the God. The braiding of the pole is thought to represent the vaginal canal of the Goddess. The unwinding ribbons were believed to represent the union of male and female, and the spiral of life. The white ribbons (usually handled by men) symbolised the virgin goddess, and the red ribbons (usually handled by women) represented their initiation into sexual womanhood. A ring of flowers at the top of the pole represented the fertility of the goddess.

The May Day celebrations in the Cornish town of Padstow still have references to sex and fertility. They involve the procession of two Obby Oss’s, who wear a black cape (hung on a frame), and a gruesome mask with snapping teeth. They are thought to symbolise a stallion. On their journeys they try and catch young women and girls under their capes. It was believed, and is still said today, that if you are caught under the cape you will be pregnant within a year.

Celebrations start at midnight on May eve when townspeople sing the ‘morning song’. The town and maypole are decorated with flowers and greenery, and Padstownians wear whites with either blue or red coloured ribbons to support their chosen Oss. The blue Oss is the first to take to the streets and an hour later it is the turn of the red Old Oss. The Obby Oss’s are accompanied around town by musicians, drummers and dancers and ‘Teasers’ who prod them with a special stick. At midnight people sing of the Obby Oss’s death, finishing off the festivities until it is resurrected again the following year.

Unlike some of the other Celtic festivals, Beltane is one festival that is still recognised and celebrated across the country. It reminds us of our relationship with nature and the cycle of life. Although what people do to celebrate this festival differs, the traditions and beliefs from old Celtic folklore are still very evident today. They all ultimately celebrate fertility and the new spark of life this may bring; whether it is the fertility of the earth, the goddess or us mortals.

Beltane beliefs and customs past and present:
· The May Queen can also be known as the Maiden, Goddess of Spring, Flower bride, Queen of the fairies.
· The white warrior women and handmaidens protect and attend to the May Queen.
· The Green man can also be known as the May king, the Horned God, Jack-in-the- Green or the woodland fairy Puck.
· The dew on morning of the 1st of May is thought to possess magical properties, it is said if you wash your face and body in it, your youth and beauty is ensured.
· New couples would often take part in the traditional Celtic ceremony of hand-fasting between Beltane and the summer solstice. The couples hands were bound together to represent their union.
· At Beltane oat cakes with a baked on custard type coating, known as bannocks were cooked on an open fire. One piece was marked with charcoal and it was considered bad luck would fall on the person who picked that piece, unless they jumped over fire.

A Recipe for a Clear complexion Part2
What to do when the recipe isn’t enough
Extra help for acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, the exact cause of which is not known. However there are many factors that can contribute towards acne such as; hormones, oily skin, poor diet, allergies, the use of certain medication (such as; steroids, lithium and oral contraceptives) as well as also possibly being hereditary.

Hormonal imbalances such as; the over production of the male hormone testosterone can contribute towards acne. Premenstrual flare ups of spots in women can be caused by the release of progesterone after ovulation. This is also why some oral contraceptives containing progesterone may produce breakouts of spots.

Overactive oil glands can also cause acne. Oil to lubricate the skin, is produced by the sebaceous glands which are located in hair follicles found in abundance on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. If some of the oil becomes trapped, this then allows bacteria to multiply and causes the skin to become inflamed. Dirt and dust from pollution and the overuse of creams can also cause the pores to become clogged. Healthy skin should be able to breathe.

As mentioned in ‘A recipe for a clear complexion part1’, poor diet and unhealthy living can be a big factor in causing outbreaks of spots. Any problems with digestion will also contribute towards acne as essential nutrients needed are not effectively absorbed. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and one of its functions is eliminating waste products from the body via sweat. The skin will inevitably suffer, if the body contains more toxins, than the kidneys and the liver can deal with on their own.

How you treat acne really does depend on whether the cause is hormonal, or due to toxic overload, and this can be difficult to determine. For women if they have flare ups at particular times of the month this is likely to indicate the causes are hormonal.

Acne and the female cycle
Oestrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall at particular times in a women’s cycle. Problems occur when there is an imbalance of these hormones, as the female hormones can reduce the size and activity of the sebaceous gland. The hormonal system is extremely complex, and it is difficult to determine imbalances yourself. If you suffer from spots at particular times of your cycle it may be worth visiting a medical herbalist who can help determine whether you have high or low levels of oestrogen and/or progesterone and treat accordingly.

Agnus castus is a very effective remedy for women who suffer from acne due to high levels of oestrogen, and could therefore make the situation worse if a woman has low levels of oestrogen. It can also be effective in treating teenage acne for both genders. However it is important to note any remedy looking at balancing hormones, is going to interact with any other medication that works on the hormones. Taking Agnus castus for example can stop the contraceptive pill from working.

Bioforce, however do make a herbal tincture called Female essence, that can be used with all types of hormonal imbalances, and has no reported contraindications. (Many health food shops stock Bioforce products &for more information on their products look at www.avogel.co.uk )

Male hormones and acne
Acne in both men and women is also commonly caused by the over production of testosterone. High levels of testosterone trigger large amounts of sebum to be produced, which can cause oily skin. Testosterone also stimulates the cells to produce more of the protein keratin, which can bind with the sebum and block the pores. The pores are then more likely to become infected, as toxins and bacteria are unable to escape.

Again if you suspect hormones to be contributing towards problems with acne, then visiting a medical herbalist would be a good idea due to the complex nature of the hormonal system.

To find a medical herbalist in you area, look at the national Institute of Medical Herbalists website: www.nimh.org.uk


Alcohol sugar, fats and caffeine can all increase testosterone levels, and making changes in your diet is one of the first courses of action in the fight against acne. The rise in cases of adult acne today is more often than not the result of an overload of toxins.

Acne caused by toxic overload
Attacking acne with diet sounds too simple to have any effect, but can actually produce remarkable results. Fat, sugar and processed foods all make the body have to work harder at eliminating toxins. There may also be a possibility that acne may be caused by developing food intolerances to foods such as diary products.

The liver is a very important organ in the bodies natural detoxification process, however if it is overloaded with high levels of toxins it will look to other organs such as the lungs and skin to take up the slack. Acne can be one of the first signs that your liver is overloaded.

Undertaking a general detox and keeping a food diary, may be a useful exercise, and there are a number of good books available which can guide you through this process. As foods are reintroduced slowly and any physical symptoms are noted, problem foods can be identified. With any detoxing treatment, it is important to note that as toxins are extracted symptoms may actually get worse before they get better. It is also likely to take many months to reverse the effects of years of bad habits and eating unhealthily.

As mentioned in last fortnight’s article, there are nutrients essential for skin health. Other nutrients that are important are:

· Vitamin A helps cells reproduce, so is useful as skin cells have a fast rate of production. Found in eggs, yogurt and oily fish.
· Vitamin C helps with the production of elastin and collagen which helps with complexion and keep skin firm. Found in citrus fruits, peppers, brussel sprouts, and kiwi fruit.
· Vitamin E is useful in the fight against acne as it can balance hormones, and is well known for preventing scarring. It can be found in soya, olive oil, corn, wheatgerm, and nuts and seeds.


Useful herbs to help with Acne

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a good all rounder for skin care. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities and has been found to aid cell regeneration. Many alternative therapists advocate its use internally and externally for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Aloe Vera gel is also an extremely effective moisturiser which works in two ways. Firstly it has the ability to carry moisture and nutrients down through all the layers of the skin, and secondly it creates a barrier which prevents the moisture from escaping. As well as this it has anti-ageing qualities. Studies have found that Aloe Vera increases the production of ‘fibroblast’ cells found in the skin, which in turn stimulate the production of collagen, thus keeping the skin firm and supple.

Burdock root
Burdock root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a blood cleanser for many years. Burdock has been found to be anti-microbial which means it can rid the body of harmful bacteria making it very useful in the fight against spots. It also acts as a tonic for the skin, and its ability to reduce inflammation makes it an effective remedy to use for anyone suffering with acne, or indeed for other skin problems such as eczema.

Milk thistle
Milk thistle is a well known herb used for increasing the liver’s detoxification capabilities, which therefore means less toxins have to escape through the skin, hopefully resulting in better skin condition. It also encourages the growth of healthy liver cells, which should keep the liver in tip top working condition. Milk thistle has also been shown to normalise skin cell replication, and alongside its anti-inflammatory action makes it another useful remedy in treating acne.

Viola Tricola (Wild Pansy)
Available from Bioforce; Viola Tricola works in three ways by: soothing inflamed areas of skin, improving elimination of toxins via the kidneys, and strengthening the capillaries and therefore improving the way in which nutrients journey to the skin.

Additional suggestions
Keep skin areas affected as free from products as possible should allow the skin to breath.

Taking cardiovascular exercise which makes you sweat may also be a good idea, as toxins will escape in the sweat, and then can be washed away.

A steam sauna can help flush toxins out of the skin, as well as unblocking and cleaning out pores without abrasive action. In a saucepan or a bowl boil some water, and when boiling place your face a comfortable distance over the bowl (with a towel over your head to help trap the steam). You could also try adding different essential oils such as; lavender which is an antiseptic and can kill germs and stimulate the growth of new cells. Other oils that may help in the fight against spots include:

· Lemon
· Bergamot
· Chamomile
· Rosemary &
· Tea tree

If you want to try putting something directly on the spots then try:
· Tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic.
· Witch Hazel has astringent qualities and dabbed on individual spots can help clear them up.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Note: Information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, who should be the first port of call with any of the mentioned health conditions. I am not medically qualified, but have been interested in nutrition since my eldest daughter developed food intolerances around 20 years ago. I have researched this piece from reputable internet sites and by reading through books such as;

The Food Doctor, Healing foods for mind and body by Vicki Edgson & Ian Marber
Superfoods by Michael Van Straten & Barbara Griggs
Prescription for Nutritional healing 2nd edition by James F Balch M.D & Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C
Food your miracle medicine by Jean Harper
The food pharmacy by Jean Harper
500 of the most important health tips you’ll ever need by Hazel Courteney

A recipe for a clear complexion

Forget spending lots of money on creams, cleansers, and potions; choosing to opt for clean healthy living is often the best way to turn back the clocks and ensure a sparkly and bright complexion. This week will suggest a recipe to follow which may help achieve this, and after time most people should notice a marked improvement.

For some people however acne and flares ups of spots can be a persistent problem. Reasons for this may be hereditary, hormonal, due to allergies, or even the use of certain medication. In the next Jax Writer’s spot, I will explore these reasons, and discuss possible herbal remedies and treatments that can be used in the battle against spots. However following the recipe below, is the first step towards clear skin, and is vital in ensuring the effectiveness of any other treatment.

Ingredients

· Drink water
· Eat a balanced diet
· Cut back on bad habits
· Forget buying lots of products
· Don’t over cleanse
· De-stress
· Don’t squeeze your spots

Method

Drink water
Coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and alcohol can all dehydrate the skin, and the best way to keep your skin hydrated is to drink lots of water, ideally 1.5litres a day. Drinking herbal teas can count towards this target.

Eat a balanced diet
Fruit and vegetables are important for skin health as they provide essential vitamins such as; the B vitamin (Niacin) which helps retain moisture in the skin. Protein helps form the skins support structures, and essential fatty acids are central to the elasticity of the skin. Zinc is an necessary element in the oil producing glands, and is therefore important in skin health. Zinc which can be found in whole grains, sunflower seeds and nuts, and also aids in the healing of tissue which can help prevent scarring. If you suffer with acne, to give your system the best chance of fighting spots, keep processed foods to a minimum and cut down on your intake of saturated fats (mainly found in meats and diary products). By eating healthily, incorporating an array of foods, you are more likely to get all the nutrients the skin needs.

Cut back on bad habits
Smoking is one of the worst culprits for aging the skin; it enhances the production of an enzyme that which can cause a loss of elasticity and the development of lines. Smoking can also limit the amount of oxygen that actually reaches the skin. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to broken veins and redness in the skin as it causes blood vessels to dilate and constrict.

Forget buying lots of products
Many people spend a fortune on skincare products, however they can clog up the pores, stopping the skin from breathing, and allowing the microbes involved in causing acne to flourish. Products can also overload the skin with chemicals. We wouldn’t dream of eating anything containing the chemicals that are found in some skin creams, yet what we put on our skin is absorbed in to our bodies. Common ingredients in moisturisers and anti wrinkle creams such as; sodium lauryl sulphate, di-methicone, pro-pylparaben, ethylparaben and parfum can actually cause skin irritation, and some have been shown to alter the skins structures to allow potentially harmful chemicals to enter the bloodstream. Aromatherapy oils can be used to moisturise without making the skin greasy. It should be noted however that although natural, some oils should not be put directly on the skin, so either ask an aromatherapist to make a suitable mixture up for you, or find an aromatherapy book which includes recipes you can make up yourself. One very good book is ‘Aromatherapy for women by Maggie Tisserand’. Alternatively there are a range of natural creams available using essential oils which can often be found at health food shops or online from stockists such as:

http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/
http://www.highernature.co.uk/
http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/

When it comes to moisturising the body, you can’t go far wrong with coconut oil; it’s cheap and certainly good enough to eat. It is usually solidified and looks a bit like lard, however by warming it up, either by just rubbing in your hands or leaving near a radiator for a while, it turns into oil which can be smeared all over the body.

Don’t over cleanse
Although it is better to cleanse your skin morning and night, cleansing with soap based products can dry the skin out, irritate the skin and even contribute to the formation of spots. Opt for a natural and/or a gentle cleanser such as from the ‘Simple’ range. Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells, and reveal fresher looking skin but shouldn’t be done more than once or twice a week as exfoliating too much can damage the skins natural barrier and cause dryness and sensitivity.

De-stress
Constant stress can also take it out of the skin. Stress can cause tension in the muscles which can contribute to wrinkles and lines, and may also affect your hormones possibly leading to an outbreak of acne or psoriasis. Trying to get enough sleep, drinking chamomile tea, meditation and/or deep relaxation, and taking regular exercise, are all possible ways of helping you manage your stress levels.

Don’t squeeze your spots
Squeezing spots can cause scarring. It can also increase the risk of inflammation, by causing breaks in the skin where harmful bacteria can lodge, therefore effectively spreading the spots around. If you have trouble with spots, and a few weeks of clean healthy living doesn’t make a difference, then it may be worth trying some herbal remedies.



Mixing together these ingredients and following this method should help knock a few years off your face, and give your skin a noticeable glow. It will take time however; turning around the effects of years of bad habits and product use is not going to happen overnight. If you are following the recipe and still not seeing any difference after many months, then check out next fortnight’s article on Jax Writer’s spot, which will look at the causes and possible courses of action to deal with problem skin.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Note: Information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. I am not medically qualified, but have been interested in nutrition for over 20 years.

A different type of Festival
An interview with
Lady St Germans

The Port Eliot Literature festival is situated on the landscaped grounds of the 18th century Port Eliot House at St Germans in Cornwall. Taking part over three days, the Lit fest attracts a diverse range of performers, and has something for all tastes. Whether you want to catch some music, listen to poetry, see talks by authors about their work, watch films, or take part in a pub quiz, the Port Eliot Lit fest will not disappoint.

This interview with Lady St Germans took place after the 2007 festival. This year (2009) the festival runs from the 24th to the 26th of July, with performers such as Hardeep Singh Kholi, Michael Eavis, Sarah Waters, and Louise de Bernieres already confirmed.

How did the literary festival come about?
The idea for the festival came about 7 years ago when I first met my husband. He had run a festival here in 1980’s called the Elephant Fair, which was hugely successful and had a big impact on this part of Cornwall, and his life. He said running a festival is a bit like herpes, it’s hard to get it out of your bloodstream, and he was toying with the idea of running another festival here. He felt it was time again, but he didn’t really want a straight music or arts festival, he wanted to do something different, and so he came up with the idea of a literary festival.

As a writer myself I immediately thought the combination of him and the idea of a literary festival could develop into something fantastic, but I was only interested in getting involved if it appealed to my generation. Growing up in Worcestershire I lived between the Hay on Wye and Cheltenham Literary festivals, but never went. I was never drawn to them. I wanted to attract a younger audience. So the aim was to try and do something different with words, and not just have straight book readings. We wanted to have the soul of a music festival, but the brains of a literary festival; a festival where you could be stimulated and inspired during the day, and then dance and lose your head at night.

So my husband Perry asked his friend, actor and musician, Rick Worthy who had been involved with the Elephant fair to come on board. And I asked a great friend of mine to join us; Simon Prosser, who is the publishing director at Hamish Hamilton. Living in London he had the clout of the big publishing world behind him. So together we set about to organise the festival.

The first festival in 2003 was really small, and we wanted it to be small as we wanted to try and do it right. There were probably less paying customers than there were artists. It was just like a really great party. But people did come much to our eternal gratitude. People came from London saying Port where? Performers such as; Alain de Botton, Richard Benson, Hari Kunzru, Anita Pallenberg, and Ralph Stedman all took part and loved it. People then went back to London, or wherever, and told their friends about the literary festival, and the following year it more than doubled and it’s grown and grown every year.

What sort of numbers do you get coming to the festival now and where do people come from?
We had around 4000 people come this year, and there is a huge geographical mix. We do get a lot of people coming from the Southwest, as we’re local but we also get lots of people coming from all over really. We also have more people coming from abroad now and have a lot of people coming in from the states.

We don’t really want it to get that much bigger. I feel as it is at the moment, it’s still got this quality where you can still get lost in the gardens. At this size performances can be woven in amongst all of the gardens. If it gets any bigger, we may have to have performances in one area which wouldn’t be as good. I think the sign of good festival is when you come across things going on, you didn’t know about.


How do you go about finding artists, and how do you decide what you want to put on?
At first it was very much a case of us approaching artists, but now we find it’s more of a two way traffic. We get lots of our performers through word of mouth. Writers who have come here will often tell other writers, and then they get in touch with us enquiring about performing.

There is an eclectic group of us working and overseeing the festival. When deciding what performances to have, we look at what has worked and look at how to develop that, as well as exploring new ideas. We have a whole network of people and ideas. James Flint for example does a brilliant job running the film tent. We all work together, and have lots of discussions about who and what. I tend to go with my instincts and think if I’m going to enjoy this and be interested, other people will too. That’s how I’ve always operated really.


Was there anyone in particular you were really looking forward to seeing this year?
Everyone! I loved Joel Levack at the boathouse, his I minute disco was fantastic. I would like him to be more involved in the festival. Alexander Master’s Tattoo boudoir was a highlight for me. It was the absolute apercu of our ideas of doing something different with words. Writing on people and drawing on people was absolutely brilliant.

The Biba tent, was great with everyone doing illustration. I was really pleased to see Andy Martin, who is a great writer, who writes about surfing. Mick Brown on Brian Wilson. Angela Harnett was really amazing; she was a completely natural performer. I could carry on for ages.

We feel we can offer performers a sense of freedom. They can come here and do something they wouldn’t get the chance to do normally. They don’t have to read from their latest book, or do what your publishers tell them to do. They can show a film, sing a song, or even do magic tricks; they can do what they like.

You have a different Logo every year. I particularly liked the Ralph Stedman one. Can you tell me how they came about?
The first year we got a wedding photographer to take photo’s of some wooden books, which were made by Heathcote Williams when he lived here. My husband and I piled them all up on the lawn. The second year we employed an illustrator who did a logo of flying books, which was fantastic.

Then we decided we wanted to have an artist actually taking part in the festival to do the poster, and as Ralph Stedman had been at the festival the first year, he did the logo for us the next year. We wanted to carry on by using artists appearing at the festival to design the logo’s and last year it was designed by Martin Parr, and this year Gavin Turk did the logo.

I called Ralph up, and it’s always quite difficult to ask an artist to do something like this, because they have to transpose their art onto your art, you have to get balance right and feel your way, both of you, how you’re going to do this. Ralph really liked the festival and said sure straight away and he had a couple of images that he thought would work. He’s not very technological, he has everything in drawers and stuff, and on the phone talking to him you can kind of almost see his studio, and you can hear the drawers banging and doors flying open and shut.

A couple of hours later he sent me an image which was in a huge format, but he didn’t know how to make it smaller. So this absolutely massive file arrived, and it took about an hour to open. As it started going down you could see the top of the image. He said it was an urban, agricultural thing that would suit the spirit of festival. As the image unfurled, at first it appeared normal, and it got madder and madder, and we thought it was fantastic; we loved it. It worked really well for us that picture.

People said had they had heard about the festival but it was only when they saw the Stedman image that they came, because they got it, they understood what we were trying to do, and how we were very different to other literary festivals.

As you’re getting more recognised do you think publishers come looking for talent and to see what’s happening in the literary world?
I hope so, I’m not really aware of it so much, I do know a lot of people from the publishing world come. I know it must be happening. This year for instance, we were asked by Bloomsbury, to launch one of their writer’s here; Richard Reynolds the guerrilla gardener, before his book came out.

One real success story was the Cloud Appreciation Society’s Gavin Pretor-Pinney, who had an exhibition here this year. He’s a great sign of what the festivals all about. He had thought about writing about clouds for years, and went to loads of publishers that all turned him down. We were old friends so I said come and do something at the festival anyway. So he came and did his 1st Cloud Appreciation Society lecture, and everyone wanted to talk to him afterwards. Also there were several publishers in the audience, who thought wow, and he got a book deal. His book was one of the best sellers of last year; it was a big hit. I’m really proud he had his first gig here. It was a real success story that came out of festival.

What do you think are the benefits of festival for the literary world? Are you able to contribute towards any charity for example?
Here at the festival we have the Literary Consultancy, who advises people on manuscripts. In so far as us donating to charity, we are not at that stage yet, we are still very much funding it ourselves, we’re not at the point where we are making any profit at all, and we’re still running at a loss. The Arts Council grant makes the festival happen basically.

We’ve got a plan that if we do start making a profit we’d like to have a scheme called ‘A room of my own’, which will fund a writer to work for a year, and give them a place to work here. That’s what I’d like to do if we do ever get to the point where we make any money.

Can you tell me more about the Literary Consultancy?
They’re an Organisation called TLC, known as The Literary Consultancy and you can find them on our website. They were in the round room on Saturday and Sunday, and you can take your manuscripts to them and they will read it. They have professional readers, and they’re all people from the publishing world who set up this charity for writers, who maybe have not got the connections to get really good agents, or have sent books around and keep getting them rejected and don’t know why? So they read peoples manuscripts over the weekend and give them follow up advice the next day, and it works really well.

Where do you go from here? How would you like to develop the festival?
In terms of development, I would like to get more people from the South West involved, more Cornish writers and voices. I would also like to expand the young people’s areas, such as the mucking about with words tent which was very popular this year and the children’s area. I would also like to develop the HAHA stage and have more performance such as dance and theatre happening there.


For more information on the 2009 Port Eliot Literary Festival, and to book tickets online go to:
www.porteliotfestival.com

Fast lives and fast foods
Isn’t it about time we slowed down?

It is clear our lives have changed quite dramatically over the past half a century. Many of these changes such as, the increasing number of young mothers who now go out to work have had a major impact on our eating habits. On top of this, the pace of life has seemed to get faster especially as information technology becomes more and more developed. With parents rushing around, children staying in watching television and playing computers instead of getting outside, and the birth of the microwave meaning food can be ready in minutes, fewer families are now taking the time to cook and sit down to eat together. The Food Standards agency report that in 1980 an average meal took an hour to prepare compared to only taking 20 minutes in 1999. Ironically as people have had less time to spend on preparing family meals, and with the rise of television celebrity chefs, cooking has now become more popular as a leisure activity.

Research found that between 1998 and 2002, in the UK the demand for ready made meals rose by 44% compared to 29% across Europe. It is suggested that 30% of adults in the UK eat a ready meal more than once a week. The popularity of foods from different cultures has also influenced the convenience food culture, and Indian and Chinese ready meals make up almost half of meals in the chilled cabinets. Over the past decade ready meals have also undergone a change of image, and instead of having a reputation as a lazy convenience food, they are now being marketed as a healthy premium choice.

It is could be argued that we have now adopted a casual and possibly careless approach to what we eat on a daily basis. With food technology replacing home economics in school, it has also been suggested that children are not learning how to cook, and without the right parental guidance, are children likely to end up opting for unhealthy choices? As young people grow up, not knowing any better it is a real possibility we will get trapped in a ready meal/junk food culture.

We are now all too aware of the consequences to our health of eating too many processed foods, however in the first decade of the 21st century; the popularity of convenience foods is likely to continue. Despite being marketed as healthy, ready meals still often have unnecessarily high amounts of saturated fats, salt and sugar, which have been linked to health problems such as strokes, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and dental disease. Diseases that arise from obesity and digestive malfunction are set to rise as fast food replaces traditional ways of eating. Two hundred years ago, there was an evolutionary change when people in Europe on average got taller. Now we are facing another possible evolutionary change, but instead of growing upwards people are growing outwards.

The Slow Food movement was founded in 1989 by journalist Carlo Petrini, and was prompted by the opening of a McDonalds in Rome. The idea was to counteract fast food and fast life, address people’s dwindling interest in food, educate people about where food comes from, and the traditions and the cultures surrounding food. Ultimately their aim is to help people rediscover the joys of eating and the pleasure of good tasting food. The Slow Food movement is founded on the concept of ‘eco- gastronomy’, and how the food choices we make can have an affect globally. The manifesto states:

“We are enslaved by speed and have all succumbed to the same insidious virus: fast life, which disrupts our habits, pervades the privacy of our homes and forces us to eat fast foods. A firm defence of quiet, material pleasure is the only way to oppose the universal folly of fast life.”
Carlo simply believes people should be able to eat better quality, tastier and fair food, which has been produced in a way that does not harm the environment, animals, people, or the producers themselves. They set about achieving this in a variety of ways such as; working with and protecting small food producers from being taken over and influenced by industrial standardisation. Among their achievements they have been helping livestock producers to adopt additive free organic methods to produce a higher quality, lower fat, and hopefully tastier beef.
The movement is also very much about promoting slower living, and has lead to the development of ‘Slow Cities’. The requirements to become a ‘Slow City’ include:

· Encouraging good food, with farmers markets and traditional cuisine, and organic farming.
· Urging businesses to adjust their working hours to allow people to enjoy a slow midday meal with their families.
· Prohibiting the use of neon signs, advertising billboards and car alarms.
· Ecological transport links including; pedestrian areas, cycle paths and limits on the number of cars.
· The promotion of recycling.
· The increase of more green space within cities.

Slow food sees children as the Slow Foodies of the future, and much of their work includes being involved in education. Carlo believes it is no good threatening children with the dangers of unhealthy food, and instead takes the approach of trying to make discovering about tastes and nutrition fun. Work within schools includes gardens where children can get hands on experience of eating the food they grow themselves. Today the movement has 100,000 members in 132 countries.

Maybe we should take a leaf out of their book, and stop rushing around, put aside time to cook proper meals, and spend some quality time every day with our families. By stepping out of the fast food culture we will not only be helping the infrastructure that produces organic, natural and wholesome foods expand, we are also more likely to enjoy our food, feel healthier, have more energy and ultimately live longer.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

The Celtic festivals of The Wheel of the Year
Imbolc or Oimelc (February 2nd)

Before the advent of clocks and calendars, people were more in tune with nature’s timing; without electrical lighting they woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down, and they followed the cycles of the seasons as opposed to being a slave to the 24/7 hectic lifestyle most of us follow today.

Following the cycles of nature; eight seasonal festivals have traditionally been celebrated throughout Europe, predating Christianity. These festivals are often referred to as sabbats, a word which originates from the Greek work ‘sabatu’ meaning to rest or pause. The English word ‘sabbath’ and the Hebrew ‘shabat’ both also originate from ‘sabatu’ Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. Traditionally the festivals also reflect the lifecycle of the gods and goddesses throughout the year.

Imbolc (pronounced ‘im’olk’) is also known as Oimelc, Imbolg, or Candlemass. It falls on the same day as Ireland’s feast of St Bridget (a Christian disguise for the goddess Brighid), and Groundhog day in America.

Imbolc is seen as a celebration of the first day of spring, and is traditionally celebrated in the first week of February, as its halfway through the 90 day seasonal period following the winter solstice (21st December). Imbolc and Oimelc are said to come from the old Gaelic word meaning ‘Ewes milk’, and is the time when ewes start lactating in preparation for giving birth to lambs, meaning there will soon be milk available for people to drink. Imbolc is also reported to mean ‘in the belly of the mother’ and represents potential for growth however it may be needed in your life.

Imbolc was important in the Celtic calendar, as winter stores of food were getting low, and the festival marked the beginning of a new farming season. Even though there may still be snow and frost on the ground, Imbolc marks the rebirth of nature and fertility, and a recognition of life beginning to stir and awaken within the earth. It is a celebration of the long winter darkness beginning to break, and the return to lighter and longerdays as the sun, and the young god it represents is getting stronger. A virgin goddess is said to govern this celebration, and her breasts fill with milk to nourish her young.

Rituals were performed at Imbolc to harness the divine energy, which they hoped would ensure a steady supply of food in the next six months. In the past candle lighting, was part of the ritual of this sabbat, hence being renamed ‘candlemass’ or mass of candles. In a group pagan ritual a young woman would wear a crown of lighted candles on her head. Feasting was also very much an element of the Celtic festivals and at a time when new lambs were born, a dish made from their docked tails was traditionally eaten. The ritual also includes the blessing and eating of diary foods to celebrate the life of the young god and his virgin mother. This practice was said to have been made popular by Scandinavians, sometime after the tenth century when the Vikings invaded Ireland, and adopted the ritual after they populated much of the island, and married many of the women.

Imbolc also falls on the same day as Ireland’s feast of St Bridget. Bridgid is the Celtic goddess of fire, inspiration and fertility, and daughter of Dagda. As Bridgid was the goddess of fire, Imbolc celebrations centre around the lighting of fires. Many of the poor in communities really looked forward to these festivals, as they were a chance for them to get together with friends and family and take a break from work. People had been celebrating these old ways for centuries. Christians, who were trying to gain more followers, found they could not compete with the allure of these traditions. Therefore the Christian church in a bid to win people over, decided it was easier to assimulate Bridgid into their own faith, and so St Bridgid was created. They also created many stories about her in the hope that people would leave these old beliefs, and start following Christianity. One of the rituals they created was dressing a sheaf of oats in female clothes, and setting it in a basket called Brids bed.

Snakes were also a symbol commonly associated with Imbolc. They represent rebirth, as they shed their skin and re-emerge in the spring after a winter’s hibernation. Celtic healers often appear with snakes, that are associated with rivers and healing springs as these are thought to be the entrances to the underworld, where the giant ‘Ouroborous’, the earth dragon lives. Snakes and serpents often appear on ‘torcs’, the sacred neck ornaments worn by Celtic kings, as they embody eternal life and the power of the earth. In Celtic knot work, snakes patterns are still very popular. The coiled serpent, with its tail in its mouth represents a circle of eternity and the cycles of the earth’s evolution and reincarnation. It is reported that in Ireland, at a time when the Christian church was trying to gain followers, the Druids who vehemently opposed the church, often had tamed snakes as they used their venom for healing mixtures. However led by the warrior St Patrick, the church finally won the battle for followers over the Druids.

We may now dismiss many of these old beliefs, traditions, and celebrations, as mere superstitions. However, how we can say our beliefs today are any more credulous, especially when many of our celebrations today surround Christianity, which has actually adopted and claimed much of the folklore of old as their own.

Imbolc represents the end of winter (actual and emotional), and is seen as good time for growth. It can be a good time for putting new ideas into practice, taking the first steps of a new project. With so much dis-ease and ill health caused by trying to keep up with demands of the fast pace of life today, maybe returning to some of the beliefs of old, and becoming more in tune with the timing of nature is not such a bad idea.

Ginger, First aid on a Plate.

Whether it’s making your first gingerbread men as a child, or having a slice of Granny’s ginger cake with tea, the aroma of ginger often conjures up pleasant memories. Native to Southern Asia, ginger has been embraced across the world, flavouring savoury dishes in the East, and used traditionally in sweet recipes in Western countries. In many 19th century English pubs, a jar of ginger was kept on the counter so people could add it to their drinks, and so ginger ale was born. But as well as providing a distinctive flavour to cooking, ginger has been used for centuries in the East, for its medicinal qualities.

Ginger is known for its warming effect on the body. Maria Holzamer a medical herbalist says;
“Ginger is an excellent circulatory stimulant, reaching all extremities.”

It can either be drunk as a tea, or grated ginger root can be added to hot lemon and honey, to raise the body’s temperature, and help the body fight off colds and viruses. Ginger also has expectorant and anti-bacterial qualities, making it a useful remedy to try when suffering from respiratory infections.

As well as being warming, ginger has a stimulating effect. In India and China, tea made with ginger root has been drunk after meals for centuries, to aid digestion. Gingerol, the main active ingredient of ginger, enhances the secretion of digestive juices, which helps to neutralize stomach acids, and has an antispasmodic effect on the muscles of the digestive system. People looking for a natural remedy with potential to relieve symptoms of bloating, indigestion, nausea and travel sickness, may find that ginger is just what they’re looking for.

Ginger can also be good for your heart, as it stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow. It is claimed that ginger can make blood platelets less sticky and less likely to join together in clots. Ginger also appears to impair cholesterol absorption, lowering blood cholesterol levels. Together these properties can help maintain a healthy heart. In Ayurveda medicine (literally translated as the science of life), ginger is known as the ‘Universal medicine.’

Other benefits of ginger include pain relief. Ginger’s antispasmodic effect can relieve menstrual cramps, and its stimulating action can help promote menstruation. Gingerol also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for people suffering with arthritis. As Ginger is very warming, it is especially appropriate for cold non-lubricated joints. Consuming ginger regularly may help reduce pain levels and improve mobility.

Luckily ginger is not difficult to get hold of; it’s available in fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallised, powdered or ground form. For maximum medicinal effect ginger can be brought as a supplement, which could be particularly useful if you don’t like the taste. However it is fairly easy to get the benefits just by including it within your diet regularly. Fresh is ultimately the best option, and ginger root is available in vegetable shops and supermarkets. To ensure freshness and quality, the ginger root should be firm, with an unwrinkled, smooth skin.

Ginger chunks can be added to a stir fry, or grated ginger can be mixed with honey, or butter as a glaze, for roasting vegetables. When making your own juices, freshly grated ginger, can provide an extra zing. Ginger can be included in salads, stews, curries, as well as sweet recipes. If you’re not much of a cook, you could try one of the many available, ginger teas. Alternatively you could treat yourself to a slice of Mrs Crimble’s ginger cake, which is also wheat free, or try the very refreshing Bottlegreens’s Ginger and lemongrass cordial, both are available at health food shops and some supermarkets.

Ginger could be seen as first aid on a plate, time tested for centuries in the East. Why not enjoy these benefits, and make ginger a regular item on your shopping list.

People with mental ill health, may be worse off with changes to Incapacity benefits

Everyone has days when they feel miserable; ups and downs are an inevitable part of life, however for some people these lows don’t go away, they can become overpowering and affect their ability to cope with everyday life. It is estimated 1 in 4 people in Britain will experience some form of mental distress at some point in their lives. Many of these people end up having to go on benefits for a while. However mental health charities suggest that they may be worse off under the government’s new benefit changes.

In October last year Incapacity benefit, and Income support, paid on the grounds of illness or disability changed for new customers; and has now been replaced with the new Employment and Support allowance (ESA). This new allowance aims to help get 1 million people off Incapacity benefits by 2015.

The emphasis of ESA is getting people back into work. The main difference is that within weeks of getting signed off from work, claimants are sent for a new ‘Work Capability Assessment’ undertaken by an expert health professional. In the first thirteen weeks of a new claim, while waiting to be assessed, people will receive a reduced rate of benefit. At the assessment if their illness or disability is considered severe enough, then they will go into a ‘support group’ and receive a higher rate of ESA benefit. Other claimants will go into the ‘work group’ and will be required to engage in a back to work programme. Failure to do so is likely to result in cuts in their benefits.

At the moment people on the old Incapacity benefits will not be affected by these changes, however the Department of Work and Pensions report that, all existing Incapacity benefit claimants should be transferred onto the Employment and Support allowance by 2013.

The Mental Health forum suggest that the majority of people with mental health problems do want to return to work, and therefore sanctions on benefits are completely unnecessary. With 40% of Incapacity benefit claimants having mental health problems, the worry with the new Employment and Support allowance is that it will cause claimants added distress without getting them any closer to a job, and maybe even push them into work that is unsuitable.

Previously Incapacity benefit provided a security for people with mental ill health that may have been difficult for them to give up on. Therefore the introduction of a more personalised system, to help people get back into work, is a good opportunity to change a situation where people are stuck in the benefit system. It has been suggested that three-quarters of the 2.6million people claiming Incapacity benefits are actually capable of work; and that the new Employment and Support allowance can give people who may have abandoned work because of depression, that little extra push that they need to get back into employment.

One of the concerns raised, is that the professionals employed to undertake these assessments, may have a general medical background but not have enough expertise in the area of mental health, and therefore would not be suitably qualified to make accurate judgements. Mental health problems are not as visible as other disabilities; and can also fluctuate from day to day. Without having the specialist knowledge in this area of health, it is very possible that people will get placed into the wrong group.

It is also very possible that these assessments can exacerbate mental illness. When a person first goes off sick, it is often the time when they need the most support, and may be finding life overwhelming and difficult to cope with. Just waking up and facing the day can be extremely difficult, and yet while people are feeling like this, not only will they most probably find themselves dealing with financial hardship, they also have to face going to a formal interview. This undoubtedly is going to add unnecessary psychological stress on people who are already extremely anxious, and is quite likely to result in symptoms worsening.

However for the majority of people with mental health problems who do want to work; having access to support, to help achieve this is likely to be very useful. Having a sense of purpose, which working can provide, can help raise people’s self esteem and confidence. Also having structure to the day, participating in activity, interacting with people, and learning new skills can all have a positive effect on a person’s mental health.

Upon being placed in the work group, claimants will automatically be referred to a ‘Pathways to work’ advisor, who be able to offer personalised support and financial help to get them back into work, if they are able. They can also look at overcoming any barriers to work, help with how people can manage their disability or health condition within a work context, and refer them to any training that may help in finding employment.

Whether the timing of these changes to the benefit system is right, at a time when jobs are becoming so scarce is also debateable. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics report that before December 2008, the number of job vacancies had dropped by 153,000 over the year, and a high proportion of those; 69,000 were from the three months just before December. They reported that this was the lowest figure of job vacancies since 2001. With the countries economy in such a bad way, the number of jobs available is likely to drop even further.

Another barrier for people with mental health issues are employer’s attitudes. Mind, a leading mental health charity, suggest that helping people with mental health problems back into employment, will not work unless requirements are also put on employers. In a recent study undertaken by them, they found the stigma attached to mental ill health is still rife. It is reported that fewer than 4 in 10 employers would be willing to employ people with mental health problems. Mind put forward that employer’s opinions are the biggest barriers to employment, and suggest the government should provide training for employers to try and inform and change these attitudes.

It seems that Employment and Support allowance may provide an opportunity to change the situation where people are stuck in the benefit system, and it may well be able to help people who want to work find employment. However introducing sanctions if people do not co-operate, and having to attend formal assessments is very likely to cause added stress and possibly even exacerbate mental illness. The practicalities of ESA are also debateable, as the number of jobs available is likely to keep dropping in the current economic climate. ESA is also unlikely to work while a high number of employers are unwilling to take on people with mental health issues. It is evident that changes may not be effective until the health professionals, the advisors, and employers have undertaken substantial training in the area of mental health. As it is now, people with mental ill health, may indeed be worse off under the Employment and Support allowance.


For information look at:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/welfarereform/incapacity.asp
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_015412.xml.html

The wheel of the year
Forgotten festivals in a modern world

As part of the New Year celebrations we often find ourselves reflecting on the past year, and looking forward to the future; however we are not so likely to think about why we are celebrating on this day. New Years day actually only started to be celebrated universally on January the 1st, many years after the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in the sixteenth century.

Before the advent of clocks and calendars, people were more in tune with nature’s timing; without electrical lighting they woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down, and they followed the cycles of the seasons as opposed to being a slave to the 24/7 hectic lifestyle most of us follow today.

Throughout the ‘wheel of the year’ people celebrated eight seasonal festivals, which surrounded the natural cycles of the sun and moon. Without even knowing it many of us may still be working with the seasons rather than against them; for example in Winter as its colder and the days are shorter, we may stay in more, and so this can be a time for introspection, reflection and possible spiritual growth. Whereas the beginning of summer is a good time to start creative projects, to get out and about, and for socialisation and procreation.

Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The Equinoxes represent the middle/turning points of a season, while the solstices represent the beginning of a new season. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. This article will take a brief look at the eight festivals, and throughout the coming year I will look at the Celtic celebrations in more detail.

These festivals were traditional throughout Europe, and predated Christianity. However as you read through this article, it is quite apparent that the Christian faith has adopted a lot of the celebrations. There are many theories as to why they did this; one being that they wanted to make their new faith appeal to people who would had been worshipping and celebrating the old ways for centuries. Slowly over time the focus of the festivals changed from being a time to celebrate the natural cycles of the earth, sun, and moon, to becoming considered to be holy days.

Samhain, The Celtic New Year October 31st

Samhain is Gaelic for ‘the summers end’ and is known as the Celtic New Year; it marks the end of the summer and the start of the winter. It is a time for reflection of the past year and to look forward to the future. It is believed that this is the one time of the year when the veil between this world and the other world is at its thinnest. The other world could therefore release fairies and mischievous spirits, and the dead could return to warm themselves by the fires of the living.

During the celebrations the Celts built huge sacred bonfires, sacrificed animals and brought food to share in a celebratory feast. They also often wore costumes such as animal heads and skins.

Samhain is one festival that seems to have been adopted by Christianity. The modern day Halloween is from the Christian festival called All Hallows eve. This and the following two days; All Saints and All Souls day were for remembering and honouring the dead.

Winter solstice, Yule, or Albun Arthuran December 21st or 22nd

This is the shortest day of the year, and is when the moons power is as it’s strongest. It is thought the winter solstice celebrations started when people feared the sun would die, so they decorated evergreen branches and lit fires, which they believed would transfer energy from the evergreens, give power to the sun and stir up new life.

It is traditionally celebrated by feasting and putting up holly wreaths (which symbolised the wheel of the year), and hanging lights from evergreen branches. The traditional Pagan Yule celebration is also a twelve day event ending on the twelfth night in the first week of January.

The focus of celebrations are the rebirth of light after being overwhelmed by darkness on the shortest day of the year, and the hope of lighter and longer days to come.

Imbolc, Imblog or Oimelc February 2nd

Imbolc means ‘ewes milk’ and this festival celebrates the beginning of the return of the light, the start of the lambing season, and the first green shoots appearing. It refers to the potential for growth in whatever area of life growth is needed.

Imbolc represents the end of winter (actual and emotional). It is a time of new ideas, and a good time to take the first steps of launching new projects. Although this is the first festival of spring, the land is often still frozen at this time, so Imbolc is a reminder that new life stirs within the earth.

Spring equinox, Alban Eiler, or Ostara March 21st

The day and night are of equal length, however from this point the suns power gets stronger and the days start to increase in length. Fertility returns to the land and this is traditionally a time to plant new seeds. Alban Eiler is Gaelic for ‘the light of the earth’; a light which is returning after the winter. In pre-Christian times, one story tells of the maiden goddess mating with the sun god to conceive a new child of light at this time.

This is a time of new beginnings, such as starting new creative projects or maybe a new love. It represents a time and opportunity for change, and for saying goodbye to anything in your life you don’t want anymore. Many cultures celebrated New Year on this date, before the introduction of calendars.

Beltane or Beltaine May 1st

Beltane is a celebration of the first day of the summer. It comes from the Celtic word meaning ‘bright fire’. Fires were traditionally lit to symbolize the strength of the sun. On the eve of May, the Celts lit fires using nine different types of wood, and cattle were driven between the fires to cleanse them and to encourage fertility. Beltane is also said to be a great time for fairy activity especially around standing stones.

Beltane has even stronger energies, associated with fertility, than the spring equinox. It is a time for increased optimism, confidence, and energy in any projects you want to take on board, and it is also a good time for passion and the consummation of love.

Summer solstice, Midsummer, Litha or Alban Heruin June 21st or 22nd

This is the longest day; when the suns power is at its height, and fruit is ripening. It is a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, and the beauty light brings to life. The summer solstice represents power and joy; and it’s a time when happiness, strength, and energy are at its highest. It is one of the festivals that are still celebrated today, on the eve of the solstice at stone circles such as Stonehenge.

Stories tell of the sacred marriage of the earth and the sky, or the land king and the goddess or priestess. At the summer solstice the God’s power and virility has reached its most potent, and he knows that after the festival he will start to lose this energy. In a bid to stop the God’s power from diminishing, the Goddess, who was very much in love with him, would light fires and throw sun wheels down a hill.

Lammas or Lughnassadh August 1st or 2nd

Lammas is a celebration of the harvest of grains. Lammas or ‘loaf mass’ in Saxon language was a time when the first grain was baked into bread and cakes. It is also a time of giving thanks to nature for all it provides, and a time to ‘count our blessings’.

In Celtic tradition Lughnassadh is the festival of the Irish god Lugh; who dies every year with the harvesting of crops. His spirit descends into the earth to be reborn later on in the year.

Autumn Equinox, Alban Elued, or Mabon September 21st or 22nd

Now day and night are of equal length again, but this time the moons power is getting stronger and the days start to shorten. This is a time for completing tasks, resolving disagreements, consolidating finances, and generally getting things in order.

Alban Elued is Gaelic for ‘light on the water’ and refers to the sun moving away over the water and leaving darkness behind. The Autumn Equinox is the final festival of the season of harvest, and is also traditionally a time when animals are slaughtered and preserved to provide food for the winter months. It is time to recognise that the wheel of the year has turned, and summer is now over.

Jax writers spot will return in the New Year

as Jax is enjoying Christmas with her friends and family.

I would like to wish all my readers

a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2009

Due to my lap top being sent away to be fixed
I am unsure whether I will be able to post an article
on Jax Writers Spot next week
Jax Writers Spot will return when my lap top returns

Thanx

Harnessing the healing power of plants
throughout the years.

Phytotherapy (From ‘phyton’ which is Greek for plant) or herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. The tradition of using plants in the process of healing has been handed down from generation to generation mainly through word of mouth. With the discovery and success of new medicines such as antibiotics, herbal medicine was cast aside for a while, in favour of what science had to offer, and became viewed as a dubious area of our tradition and history. However the past few years has seen an increase in the popularity of taking herbal remedies.

Herbal remedies have been rigorously tested and studied over hundreds and even thousands of years, and their efficiency has stood the test of time. The majority of medicines today are actually derived from plants.

Nearly 2500 years ago, Hippocrates recommended a tea made with willow leaves would relieve fever and pain. In 1827 French pharmacist Pierre Joseph Leroux found that the bark of the willow tree contained salicin, a substance which reduces pain, soothes inflammation and lowers fever. At around the same time, Swiss chemist; Lowig, was researching meadowsweet, and found it contained an ingredient called ‘saliciylic acid’ with similar properties. Years later the work Leroux and Lowig did resulted in the production of aspirin.

There are benefits to using plants for healing, as opposed to medicines which have derived from them. The active ingredients in the plants can naturally work in synergy, to heal and moderate side effects. While people with gastric problems are told not to take aspirin, it is reported they can take meadowsweet, which is said to prevent the development of gastric ulcers.

From scraps of evidence found on the floors of prehistoric caves it is suggested that cave men and women used herbs such as wild mint, basil and rosemary. However we can get a better picture of the early use of medicinal herbs by looking at Egyptian papyri several thousand years later.

Ancient Egyptians
Ancient papyri that have been found, tell how the Egyptians extracted oil from plants such as thyme, hops, aloe and barley to make ointments. There was also a strong connection between medicine and magic. It was believed illness had a lot to do with evil winning over good in a person’s inner self, and herbal remedies were dispensed by priest-doctors accompanied by magical spells and incantations. Even though magic was a big part of the healing process, scientists who have examined samples of herbal medicines produced at the time, and found in pharaoh’s tombs, have found them to be extremely efficient.

The ancient Greeks
Hippocrates, who became known as the father of modern medicine, was born on the island of Cos in 460BC. He was the first doctor to establish medical clinics where listening to patients, asking questions and undertaking tests such as listening to the chest, were all combined in order to make a diagnosis. He was very interested in a patient’s hygiene and nutrition which he believed greatly affected their health, and he often gave his patients herbal medicines. His knowledge of health, nutrition and herbs was passed down through the years by word of mouth.

In the first century AD the first botanical manuscript: ‘De Materia Medica’ was produced by Dioscorides, which included descriptions and illustrations of plants and their healing and harmful effects. Then in the 4th century Diocles of Caryste, another follower of Hippocrates produced the first herbal, which listed plants and their uses.

In the 11th century Claudius Galen, was another Greek doctor who made a significant contribution to the history of herbalism and modern medicine. Galen undertook painstakingly thorough investigations of plants and their healing properties. The method he used in his studies (now known as Galenic pharmacy) is still widely used in laboratories today.

Ancient Chinese balancing ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ energies
The Chinese tradition of using herbs for healing is one of the oldest in the world. The Chinese see illness as a sign of disharmony in the body, and herbs have always played a big part in restoring balance and harmony. Central to Chinese thought is the belief that there are two energies; Yin and Yang, which oppose and compliment each other. Yin represents feminine characteristics such as; cold, dark, wet, internal, and passive, while Yang represents masculine characteristics such as; warm, bright, active and external. In everyone there should be a balance of Yin and Yang, and its when one energy dominates in a certain part of the body that health problems can occur.

The Chinese believed that these life energies circulates around the body through channels called meridians, and alongside herbs they also use meditation, nutrition, and acupuncture to ensure harmonious flow, and circulation through the body.

The herbs they use are also categorised as Yin or Yang plants. A Yin plant can calm, clean out, and cool down the body, while a Yang plant stimulates, awakens and warms the body. In addition the Chinese classify their plants by five fundamental flavours which are each linked to one of the main organs of the body: acidic to the liver, bitter to the heart, sweet to the spleen, salty to the kidneys and spicy to the lungs. These main organs are seen as vital to the balance and health of the body. When treating a patient with too much yin in the heart, traditional Chinese doctors would therefore pick a yang plant with a bitter flavour.

The Ayurvedic tradition from India
‘Ayurvedic’ literally means the science of life. The practice of Ayurvedic medicine is traditional in India and its purpose is not just to focus on illness, but to balance the complete emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health of a person. An Ayurvedic doctor first determines a person’s body type (known as constitutions or doshas). The three doshas present in all human beings are; vata, pitta and kapha, and when one becomes dominant it can cause ill health.

Indian herbalism uses more than 3000 species of plant, however which herbs are used, are subject to very precise rules such as; what time of the day it is. They believe that each hour of the day corresponds to one of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water or ether. Fire, for example, is linked to the time of the day when the sun is at its peak, and this is the time to take energising and stimulating herbs.

In Ayurvedic tradition plants were prepared in a wide variety of ways. One of the most popular remedies of Ayurvedic medicine is ‘triphala’, which are a mixture of three herbs which work together to aid digestion and the elimination of toxins, regulate the colon, and balance the doshas. In the Ayurvedic tradition of treating illness, massage, meditation and nutrition also played a big role.

For thousands of years, and across all cultures (of which I’ve only mentioned a few), people have been harnessing the healing power of plants. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations through word of mouth and has been widely documented. Today instead of herbalism being viewed as a dubious area of tradition and history, we can recognise and benefit from the wisdom of these ancient cultures. We are now fortunate to be able to access herbs from all over the world, and with the back up of science, we are able to determine that many plants do indeed possess remarkable healing properties.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Note: Information in this article is not intended to replace any advice from a doctor. I am not medically qualified, but have been interested in nutrition and alternative remedies since my eldest daughter developed food intolerances almost 20 years ago.