The new natural health heroes
Woman's Own explain how new tree treatments can benefit your health
1. Skin saviour
Tree fix: TEA TREE
What it does: It is antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal and can be used for all kinds of skin problems such as acne, boils and impetigo.
How to use it: As a ready blended product on the problem area. We like The Australian Organic Tea Tree Range - it includes Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil, £3.91 for 10 ml; Tea Tree Antiseptic Spray, £4.39 for 30 ml. Available from Holland & Barrett.
2. Infection buster
Tree fix: NEEM TREE
What it does: This amazing tree treatment has many medicinal uses, including helping fight colds, flu even malaria.
How to use it: We like Pukka Neem Tincture, £8.45 -www.pukkaherbs.com Take 15-30 drops three times a day. From 2 weeks to 2 months.
3. Heart tonic
Tree cure: HAWTHORN
What it does: It can be used to treat a variety of heart and circulatory conditions such as angina and high blood pressure.
How to use it: Drink hawthorn as a tea (made from flower, fruits and leaves (how often?). Or use it as a tincture. Take 3-15 ml daily in water. Sip it 2-3 times a day. Try Salus House Organic Hawthorn Herb Tea bags, £1.45 for 15 bags. www.baldwins.co.uk Or try: A. Vogel Craetaegus Tincture, £8.51 - take 15-20 drops, three times daily.
4. Tummy sorter
Tree cure: CRAB APPLE
What it does: Eating the small, sour tasting red apples can calm an unsettled tummy and help you get rid of excess water and waste. The apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fibre that helps the body deal with cholesterol.
How to use it: Crab apples can be eaten raw, stewed or cooked. You can also use as a flower essence. We like Crab Apple Bach Flower Remedy, £5.53 for 20 ml. Add a few drops to water and sip throughout the day.
5. Eat to beat breast cancer
Tree fix: WALNUT
What It does:A new study has revealed how 2 oz walnuts (3-4 whole walnuts) a day may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
How to use it: Eat the nut raw. Don't like walnuts? Try a walnut flower remedy. We like Bach Flower Remedy Walnut, £5.53 for 20 ml. Available from www.victoriahealth.com
6. Leg sorter
Tree fix: HORSE CHESTNUT
What it does: Horse Chestnut extract (made from the seed, or ‘conker') is used to strengthen blood vessels walls. So, it's a useful remedy for varicose veins, swollen legs, restless, heavy legs.
How to use it: Can be taken as a supplment or applied directly to problem area. We like Solgar Horse Chestnut Seed Extract, £12.49 for 60 capsules. www.solgar-vitamins.co.uk Take one or two capsules daily with meals. Or try A.Vogel Aesculus Gel, £9 for 100 gm. Apply twice daily to improve circulation in legs.
7. Period pain soother
Tree fix: FRENCH MARITIME PINE
What it does: The natural plant extract fhas an anti-inflammatory effect and helps dilate blood vessels and can ease endometriosis.
How to use it: Take as a supplement. We like HealthAid Pycnogenol Extract, £11.99 for 30 tablets (30mg) - www.nutricentre.com Take 1-2 tablets daily.
8. Joint easer
Tree fix: JUNIPER
What it does:It has anti-inflammatory effect and can treat aching joints and arthritis.
How to use it: Soak in a warm bath. We like Kneipp Sparkling Juniper Bath Tablets, £1.95 for 80 gm - www.victoriahealth.com
9. Tummy tamer
Tree fix: SLIPPERY ELM
What it does: Slippery elm soothes the digestive tract and is an excellent natural remedy for indigestion, ulcers, heartburn, bowel problems - including diverticulitis.
How to use it: Use the powder (made from the inner bark extract) and mix with water to make a creamy stomach soothing drink. We like Herbs Harnd Healing Slippery Elm Powder, £15.50 - for 100 gm. Mix 2-3 teaspoon (up to 1 tbs) with water or apple juice and drink 3- 4 times a day, for a few days. Can be taken for up to 3 months. Available from www.nutricentre.com
10. Health skin treat
Tree fix: MYRRH
What it does: It is a natural antiseptic and anti-fungal and can be used to treat abcesses, boils, fungal skin infections.
How to use it: Use as an essential oil applied to problem areas on the skin. We like Natural By Nature Myrrh Pure Essential Oil, £5.53 for 5ml
Look out for...
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