The first thing you can do to start addressing your depression is to acknowledge it, write it out and talk it out with a support person – “a problem shared is a problem halved”, make sure your eating/drinking well and regularly, try and get 8 hours sleep every night and go to bed at the same time every night, practice regular meditation daily and avoid depressants like alcohol and stimulants like coffee.

Certain herbs and supplements can be incredibly supportive during tough times often depression and anxiety go hand in hand – Lemon balm, St John’s wort and supplements such as theanine, magnesium and B complex vitamins just to name a few – can be very helpful. But which ones are right for you? Is there a depression test? Yes, there is, we can offer testing which gives a great overview of all hormone activity if necessary.  More often than not questioning and symptoms will clarify a valuable starting point so this test may or may not be necessary but its great to know it exists.

Our Treatment Plan

At Orange Health we focus on finding and treating the cause of your condition, we use natural, gentle effective treatments to help facilitate change and help nourish the mind and body back to good health. Please call the Naturopaths at Orange Health to discuss the best methods of treatment for you.

Happy Clients

“One of the key things I was aiming at when I came to see you was to reduce PMS. I didn’t expect it would go completely but what do ya know?! NO PMS!!!! Ive had maybe 2 tiny instances of being a bit teary but the 2 weeks of debilitating anxiety and depression gone!!!! I cant thank you enough. I feel like I’ve been given a whole new life. I was dreading menopause but if this continues I’m not concerned about it at all. My anxiety has all but gone, I feel good about myself, I feel strong within myself (that was no easy feat giving up coffee and alcohol!!) I cant thank you enough. Its worth every penny that I’m still paying. Cheers.” Cheers Anna H *

“I’ve had a touch of postnatal depression… I know all the things I need to do to get myself out of it but I just can’t seem to get to executing any of it… am struggling to make decisions.. am doubting my ability to do anything & just generally in negative mind space…. dwelling on past & very up & down with moods so please could you send me a good mix or any advice that you think will help… will pay for consult & everything mate, I’ve got to try break this pattern… will do the online questionnaire for minerals as well please….. I’m still feeding my baby at night & obviously sleep & work are both draining me but its kind of gone past the point of just being about energy levels…. anyway theres my sob story… please help me!!!! 3 weeks of treatment … 28/3/12 Fantastic, I’ve felt nothing but calm, logical, rational, focused and happy over the last few weeks Thank you.”

As the weather grows colder and we head indoors to seek solace from the elements, the bugs tend to follow.  Less fresh air and ventilation will promote the presence of these viruses and bugs so here are a few simple preventatives that can help you and your family from contracting or spreading bacteria and viruses (colds and flu).

1. Wash your hands and surfaces regularly – tea tree oil mixed with water in a spray bottle, cheap and easy and a very effective antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal i.e general bug killer.

2. Eat well – more bright, rich coloured fruit and vegetables as they contain more antioxidants, again more bug killing capacity.  Sleep well and stay hydrated

3. Keep up regular exercise to help strengthen your immunity

4. Take immune boosting herbs from an experienced Medical Herbalist (we have 2 @ Orange Health) regularly from March to August as well as immune boosting and supporting vitamins, we blend herbs for adults and kids in liquid or capsule form

5. This one can be tricky – but try to avoid confined spaces with recycled air, if this is not possible, then rug up and walk around the block at lunchtime

If you feel you may be coming down with something it’s best to keep your bugs to yourself, stay home and rest up

1. Keep up your fluids – water and herbal teas

2. Make a hearty broth soup – chicken soup is high in lysine – a natural viral inhibitor

3. Take some of our liquid cold & flu formula (it kills everything and reduces the aches, headaches and other flu symptoms that often accompany this virus.  Add lemon, fresh grated ginger and honey – this will “nip it in the bud” so you won’t need to take time off work or school

4. Load up on zinc and vitamin C – take 1000mg of Vitamin C every 2 hours for 3 days, call us we can send these out to you by courier and you can pay online

For more advise on our specialised treatments contact the Naturopaths at Orange Health, they will be able to help you with targeted cold, flu and virus treatments to suit and your family.  Call us now for an acute appointment to support and strengthen your immune system so you bounce back quickly. If you are sick we can arrange a phone or skype consultation. 027 463 2909

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Molluscum contagioum is highly contagious, it spreads by direct contact with an infected person or object used by the infected person.  You may be infected by this viral skin infection molluscum up to 8 weeks before it becomes apparent. The bumps are usually painless and can disappear after several month or they can stay around for years.  The length of time this virus exists is very dependent on the ability of your immune system to deal with the virus.  Molluscum contagiosum can be itchy and irritating restricting you from certain activities during an outbreak. During an outbreak wash regularly, do not swim in public swimming pools, try not to itch or scratch the bumps as this can make them spread, children need to avoid contact sports. The psychosocial impact of having a contagious skin disorder can cause other issues such as anxiety, depression, negative self- image, stress and obsessive behaviour in some cases.  We often find the emotional stress this condition causes some people will compound the severity of the skin infection exacerbating the problem.

Learning how to safely treat not only the condition but the whole person is what we specialise in at Orange Health. We focus on immune strengthening, hygiene education, emotional support and guidance and specialized safe effective natural treatments to resolve the skin infections, this can greatly reduce the length, impact and severity of molluscum contagiosum.  Our Naturopaths will advise the most effective course of treatment methods to suit you or your child.  Call us now (04) 8017520 to book a time to discuss how best to eliminate this difficult skin infection.  Please complete the booking form below with times that will suit you to come into the clinic.

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While it’s not really correct to refer to other grains as “gluten-free,” they are free from the form of gluten found in varieties of wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives and are safe for people with celiac disease and most gluten intolerances.

Products that may be used in a “gluten-free” diet include amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, chickpea, coconut, almond, corn, flax, millet, potato, quinoa, rice, sago, sorghum, soy, and tapioca. Oats do not contain the same form of gluten as wheat and can be tolerated by some with gluten sensitivity however sometimes it is processed on the same equipment as is wheat so it is important to look for oats that are labelled “gluten-free”.

Grains and grain products that should not be included in a “gluten-free” diet because they contain the form of gluten not safe for people with celiac and most gluten intolerances or have a high chance of cross contamination in their production include barley, barley malt or extract, bran, bulgur, couscous, durum, farina, faro, kamut, malt, matzo flour or meal, orzo, panko, rye, seitan, semolina, spelt, udon, wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ, or wheat starch. It is always important to read product labels. Some products such as soy sauce and other seasonings and sauces contain wheat/gluten so learn to read labels – we hope this has been educational.

To find out more about your specific food intolerances or if you have any questions, please call the Naturopaths at Orange Health, or fill in the form below and call to book an appointment today.

The increased amount of GM foods in our food supply has left many questioning their impact on not only our environment but our health. And until there are more concrete answers about the effects of GM foods on our health, more and more people are choosing to avoid these foods altogether, and are looking for ethically grown, non-GMO and certified organic options.

Knowing the pivotal role that symbiotic gut bacteria play in the overall health of the human body has allowed us to start to consider the factors that proliferate, protect or harm it, including environmental elements like GMOs and pesticides.

Current research around the use of pesticides and the effect of genetically modified foods on human health is still evolving. Scientists have not determined whether GMOs pose long-term risks to human health, and because of that, labeling laws around foods that have been genetically modified have only very recently been established.

While there is still some uncertainty around the effect of genetically modified crops, one element we need to consider is the use of toxic pesticides that also are involved with GM foods. Yes, research is just emerging on GMOs and health in general, but preliminary studies have shown a correlation between glyphosate (the active ingredient in the common industrial pesticide, Roundup, which is used on GM crops), and detrimental changes in the gut microbiome.

Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide in industrial agriculture. It is also found in many of our everyday garden products. It has grown in popularity thanks to it being one of the only herbicides that many widely grown genetically engineered crops are tolerant to. It is also most commonly used to ripen foods right before harvest, which makes it a useful tool for growers looking to sell perfectly ripe fruits & vegetables to our grocery stores, any time of year.

While research around this pesticide is still limited, in 2017 the World Health Organization announced that glyphosate was ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ and linked it to growing tumors in mice and rats. Beyond cancer, we’ve also seen studies showing its ability to change the balance of the microbiome in a negative way. Because exposure is ongoing, the toxic effect and change to the gut, manifest over time, potentially creating long-term changes to the makeup of our microbiome.

Preliminary studies are showing the detrimental effect glyphosate has on gut bacteria. This research is still limited due to the fact that the impact of herbicides like glyphosate on gut health is subtle in nature, with believed symptoms and changes to microbiota evolving with long-term consistent exposure. Therefore, much of the research just needs more time.

That said, researchers looking at gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria in chickens found that beneficial bacteria were more susceptible to the pesticide and harmful bacteria more resistant, when exposed to high levels. Additionally, we’ve seen studies linking glyphosate as a causal factor in the rise of both gluten intolerance and celiac disease, both of which are intricately intertwined with the health of our gut and makeup of microbiota. Finally, we have studies today that show how glyphosate interferes with a specific biochemical pathway involved with synthesis of amino acids proteins and while this pathway is not found in humans, it is a pathway found in the bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore when exposed, glyphosate inhibits the growth of many beneficial bacteria in the gut, resulting in dysbiosis.

You can protect your gut microbiome with these 3 tips:

1. Be a conscious consumer

Purchase foods that are either organic or non-GMO. To be sure you’re buying and eating these foods, look for certification. This ensures you’re buying food free from synthetic pesticides and genetically modified ingredients.

2. Garden Organically

If you like to plant a large garden and grow your own produce, try and be mindful of organic gardening practices, avoiding popular weed killers and fertilizers that could contain pesticides harmful to your gut. If you frequent a local farm or farmers market, have the conversation with the growers around their farming practices to learn if they are using organic products or synthetic.

3. Protect your Gut Proactively

There are a lot of environmental exposures in our everyday lives, but the more you know the more you can proactively take a stance towards protecting your health. While completely avoiding GM foods or foods grown with pesticides is not always an option, protecting your gut is.80% of the immune system’s cells are found in the intestinal tract and our gut is the gateway into many more serious health conditions in our body. Ensuring it remains balanced is critical to your long-term health. A broad spectrum probiotic helps support intestinal flora health and your natural defences as well as your digestive health, helping protect you against unwanted pathogens.

For more information about protecting your gut integrity and boosting your immunity please contact one of our Naturopaths at Orange Health. Let then guide you on your journey back to better health – Naturally.

From time to time we may find ourselves experiencing some form of sleep disturbance but chronic sleep issues are no laughing matter one of the emerging causes of poor sleep correlates with increased smartphone and tablet use, as use increases our restorative sleep decreases – The blue light emitted by smartphones and tablets simulates daylight, inhibiting the brain’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us fall asleep and stay asleep, and while this is a new cause of poor sleep there are many others:

Common causes of sleep issues

• Too much noise to fall asleep
• Consumption of caffeine or alcohols before bed
• Poor sleep habits (irregular bedtimes, sleep-ins or naps – no consistency)
• Certain medications that disrupt sleep
• Kidney or bladder disorders
• Depression, Anxiety, Stress or Worry
• Pain or chronic health issues impairing sleep

Our minds and bodies can recover quickly from the odd sleepless night however miss a few nights in a row or get less than 6 hours per night on a regular basis and your immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and digestive system take a hit along with your mental clarity and acuity.

Natural ways to help with sleep – (first identify the cause)

• Go to bed at a regular time (e.g – if you have to be up at 6.30am, go to bed at 10.00pm and give yourself 30 to “wind down” turn off electronics and wifi an hour before going to bed)
• Wash off the stress of the day – have a relaxing bath or shower before bed (add essential oils of chamomile or lavender to aid relaxation)
• Drink a sleep tea an hour before bed – blends of chamomile, passionflower, hops, and valerian are excellent sleep aids
• Don’t eat big meals before bed, try and eat 3 hours before bedtime
• Try meditation before bed or go to bed early enough to clear your mind before sleep
• Try our natural sleep herb formula if you need help dropping off to sleep – especially helpful if you have lots of thoughts racing around in your head (to get them out – write them out)
• Magnesium and Melatonin are also very helpful to help induce a deeper more restorative sleep and lengthen your sleep cycle (take 1 hour before bed – and practice good sleep hygiene habits)
• If there is too much noise pollution – invest in earplugs or use white noise to drown it out.
• If pain or stress is keeping you awake- this needs to be addressed – please contact one of our Naturopaths to find a solution that suits you.
• Gentle exercise 2 hours before bed can help relieve stress and tension aiding sleep onset.

For more help and guidance regarding your particular sleep issues please call Orange Health to speak with one of our experienced Naturopaths – better sleep is only a phone call away.

We recently talked about Anxiety in previous blogs but here’s a quick recap on 5 common causes and natural remedies that can help sufferers of anxiety –

Top causes of Anxiety:

• Stress from all sources
• Chemical imbalance
• Food Intolerances
• Certain drugs and medications

Top natural treatments for Anxiety:

• Try and find ways to reduce stress – meditate, exercise daily, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises, write it out, talk to someone about how you are feeling, prioritise tasks and deal with situations as they arise.
• Talk to a nutritionist or Naturopath regarding dietary correction to support mental health
• Take a good look at what medications you are taking are do your research regarding the side effects of taking them vs the benefits of having them – question weather there is another way to treat your condition that doesn’t have the nasty side effects
• Herbs like passionflower and lemon balm can help reduce anxiety
• Supplements like theanine, tyrosine, 5 HTP, magnesium and B vitamins can be helpful – it is best to talk to your Naturopath about which might suit you best.

If you have any questions regarding which treatments are right for you, please contact one of our experienced Naturopaths who will be able to individually assess which treatments would best suit your needs.

We have talked about Allergies in previous blogs here but for those who are after a quick summary we thought we would break it down further for you

Top 5 causes of Allergies:

• Animal dander & Dust mites
• Pollens & Plants
• Medications
• Food and chemical sensitivities
• Bee stings

Top natural treatments for Allergies:

• Natural antihistamines like quercetin, bromelain and histadine can help with immediate reduction of symptoms
• Of course, avoidance of known allergens is sometimes difficult but improving your gut health and immune response can help lessen the severity of symptoms
• Nettle tea and tincture help regulate the immune system and calms inflammation
• Homeopathics can be made from the source of your allergen, which can be used to treat your condition – please see a professional to help get the right remedy for you.
• Consulting with a Naturopath can help you navigate the minefield that is food and chemical sensitivity

*Those with known allergies to things like bee stings should carry an epi pen at all times.

If you have any questions regarding which treatments are right for you, please contact one of our experienced Naturopaths who will be able to individually assess which treatments would best suit your needs.