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Ease yourself back into work life. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Sandra Clair: How to avoid back to work summer stress

3 Feb, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Getting back into the swing of things can be the perfect time for stress to manifest.

As well as taking care with your alcohol consumption, nature has provided us with an abundance of effective ways to support liver health. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Your Health: How to care for your liver

13 Jan, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Looking to give your liver a break this month? Here's how natural remedies can help.

Taking plant medicines in their traditional form rather than taking highly concentrated or isolated extracts lowers your risk of exposure to unwanted substances or unnatural concentrations of individual compounds which could cause side-effects. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Do plant medicines have side-effects?

22 Dec, 2018 10:24am
4 minutes to read

Plant medicine has been used for millennia. What do you need to know before using it?

Are you headed for a Yuletide meltdown? Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to avoid burnout ahead of Christmas

25 Nov, 2018 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Signs you may be headed for a Yuletide meltdown and natural ways to combat them.

In New Zealand, over 240,000 people have diabetes. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How plant based medicine can help diabetes

10 Nov, 2018 9:33am
3 minutes to read

Plant medicine has been used to help treat diabetes long before we had synthetic drugs.

We tend to sit in one of two camps with regard to how we feel stress. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

Sandra Clair: Natural remedies to curb stress

21 Oct, 2018 8:00am
4 minutes to read

When looking at how to manage stress, it's important to look at yourself as an individual.

Many conscious consumers are becoming acutely aware of what they are putting into their bodies. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Sandra Clair: Plant based medicine then and now

30 Sep, 2018 7:00am
4 minutes to read

These days consumers have become acutely aware of what they are putting into their bodies.

In countries such as Switzerland, plant medicine is officially used in obstetric care and is regarded as the first choice in safely preventing and treating common ailments in mother and child. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How plant medicine can help support new mums

17 Aug, 2018 2:16pm
3 minutes to read

Comment: Having a newborn can be overwhelming. Here are some natural ways to help.

Common traditional plants for regular production of good quality and flow of breastmilk include fennel, aniseed, chamomile, nettle and raspberry leaf. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

How does plant medicine impact breastfeeding?

5 Aug, 2018 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Traditionally, breastfeeding teas are used for nutrient support during breastfeeding.

This is probably the marshmallow you recognise - but it's not the one that will help your throat. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How marshmallow can help a tickly throat

22 Jul, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

But it's not the marshmallow you're probably thinking of.

Dry July is a great time to focus on re-establishing some healthier habits. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Dry July: How to boost your liver health

8 Jul, 2018 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

It's a great time of year to give your liver a rest.

Croup is most common among infants and toddlers between 6 months and 3 years of age. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

The childhood illness to prepare for this winter

24 Jun, 2018 3:47pm
3 minutes to read

These natural remedies may be able to help with symptoms of croup.

Traditional plant medicines have a rich history of being effectively used over 2,500 years. Above, medical herbs for sale in China. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Is plant medicine really that effective?

10 Jun, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

We take a look at the evidence behind plant medicine and its effectiveness.

In some cases, natural remedies can prove efficient in medicating your children. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Can children use plant medicine?

27 May, 2018 3:45pm
4 minutes to read

Are you considering plant medicine to heal your children? Here's what you need to know.

There can be confusion around how plant and pharmaceutical medicines work. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Plants offer whole-body treatment; pharmaceuticals treat each symptom

13 May, 2018 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Plant medicines should leave you feeling better off than when you started.

If you do fall ill this winter there are many ways good food and plant-based medicines can help with your recovery. Photo / Getty

LIFESTYLE

How to avoid getting sick this winter

29 Apr, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Build up your immune system before the chill really sets in.

Can't wait for the kids to go back to school? Photo / iStock

LIFESTYLE

How to battle school holiday stress

22 Apr, 2018 5:50pm
3 minutes to read

With the kids at home all day, you may find yourself more strung out than usual.

Kiwis now have the option of asking for natural options in their local pharmacy. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Pharmacy Council allows sale of natural health products

8 Apr, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Pharmacists can now sell alternative medicine alongside pharmaceuticals.

Bitter plants are a great way of 'waking up' our digestive system. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to aid common digestive problems

26 Nov, 2017 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Digestion can be a problem for many, here are some natural remedies that could help.

One in three people suffer from constipation. Photo / iStock

LIFESTYLE

Natural options for constipation

12 Nov, 2017 10:20am
4 minutes to read

Constipation is a very common problem. Here are some natural remedies to help.

Spring is great to get outdoors and enjoy the sun but for those with hay fever it can be unbearable. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

The best herbs to combat allergies

29 Oct, 2017 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Plant medicine can help with day-to-day management and strengthen resilience to reactions.

Try these herbal remedies to combat skin issues. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

The best herbs for better skin

1 Oct, 2017 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

Need better skin and want to improve digestion? Try these herbal medicines.

A lingering cough makes winter even worse. Photo / Getty

LIFESTYLE

How to get rid of a cough that won't leave

17 Sep, 2017 10:40am
3 minutes to read

Try these natural remedies to get rid of that cough, once and for all.

Dry skin can be annoying and even painful if not treated quickly. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How herbal medicine can prevent dry skin

3 Sep, 2017 1:30pm
3 minutes to read

With the change of season dry skin can occur, here's how plant medicine could help.

Breastfeeding is not always as straightforward as they thought. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Natural remedies to aid breastmilk production

20 Aug, 2017 2:45pm
3 minutes to read

Breastfeeding is not always as straightforward as you may think.

Do you have a recurrent UTI that antibiotics can't cure? Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to treat a recurrent urinary tract infection

6 Aug, 2017 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Do you have a recurrent UTI? Look to these herbal remedies for relief.

For many women today the menstrual cycle has become more of a burden than a joy. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Plant medicine for period pain

23 Jul, 2017 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Do you suffer from bad period pain? Try some of these natural remedies.

A baby's skin is five times thinner than that of an adult. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Gentle, natural solutions for nappy rash

16 Jul, 2017 3:45pm
4 minutes to read

These are the natural properties you should look out for in nappy rash products.

LIFESTYLE

Natural remedies for winter cough

9 Jul, 2017 10:15am
3 minutes to read

Is there anything natural to take to get rid of that nasty winter cough?

High cholesterol, elevated blood sugar and central abdominal weight gain often occur together. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Medicinal plants for healthy cholesterol

25 Jun, 2017 12:30pm
5 minutes to read

Paired with lifestyle change, these medicinal remedies could help support the body.

A loss of libido can occur after a period of stress. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Plant medicine can help libido issues

18 Jun, 2017 3:40pm
4 minutes to read

Are you struggling with a loss of libido? Plant medicine may help.

Winter illnesses such as cold, flu and cough have already started to do the rounds at most workplaces across the country. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to avoid catching a cold

4 Jun, 2017 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Try natural remedies to reduce your chances of getting sick over the next few months.

A herbal tea such as spearmint or licorice can be great for your concentration. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Five natural alternatives for coffee

28 May, 2017 10:30am
4 minutes to read

These natural alternatives to coffee can boost concentration and focus.

Lavender is a good remedy for easing irritability, mild anxiety, worrying, stress and exhaustion. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to alleviate peri-menopause symptoms

21 May, 2017 11:30am
4 minutes to read

Hot flushes, trouble sleeping and more irritable? You may have peri-menopause.

Try plant medicine to aid the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Using plant medicine to aid osteoarthritis

14 May, 2017 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Taking drugs long-term can take a hefty toll on the liver and digestive system.

St John's Wort has been used throughout the ages to lift the mood and energy levels of those who felt weighed down by daily stresses and strains. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

Plant healing for stress and low moods

7 May, 2017 10:00am
4 minutes to read

For uplifting mood in times of stress, there is no greater plant ally than St John's Wort.

There are a number of effective plant medicines available which help to protect and strengthen your lungs. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to naturally support lung health

30 Apr, 2017 11:00am
5 minutes to read

There are a number of plant medicines available that help to protect your lungs.

Try these ideas help to relieve the discomfort of vein problems in pregnancy. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

How to treat varicose veins in pregnancy

23 Apr, 2017 10:00am
4 minutes to read

Sandra Clair has some tips on how to improve vein integrity.

Ditch the sleeping pills and try these natural solutions. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

A herbalist's tips for better sleep

16 Apr, 2017 3:00pm
6 minutes to read

Try these natural tips for better sleep.

All these plants can be safely used whilst breastfeeding and can be continued long-term. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Natural healing for post-birth recovery

9 Apr, 2017 2:30pm
4 minutes to read

Speed up your post-birth recovery with these natural health tips.

If your chapped lips have become a chronic problem that isn't resolving, this is an indication that you need to look for deeper causes. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to naturally heal cracked lips

2 Apr, 2017 1:25pm
3 minutes to read

Suffering from cracked and dry lips? Try some of these natural remedies.

St John's Wort is the best plant for any type of physiological trauma to the nerves that results in pain and inflammation. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Natural ways to recover from surgery

26 Mar, 2017 7:00am
5 minutes to read

Our natural health guru's tips for quick recovery from surgery.

LIFESTYLE

The medicinal plants growing in our backyard

19 Mar, 2017 7:00am
5 minutes to read

What are the most useful medicinal plants that can be found right at home?

Common symptoms of stress-related burnout include emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, withdrawal from relationships and the development of a negative outlook. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to alleviate stress-related burnout naturally

12 Mar, 2017 7:00am
4 minutes to read

"I was wondering if there is anything natural that might help to restore my energy and speed my recovery?"

We should look after ourselves on the inside and out. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Why gut bacteria influences our health

5 Mar, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Our natural health guru on how our gut bacteria are so influential to our health.

The best way to improve vitamin D status is via sun exposure on the skin. Photo / Pexels

LIFESTYLE

How to protect your bones

26 Feb, 2017 11:30am
5 minutes to read

My elderly mother suffers from osteoporosis and is susceptible to bone fractures. Is there anything that can be done to protect my

Between 40-54 per cent of men and women older than 25 years suffer from acne. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

Can plant medicine help with adult acne?

19 Feb, 2017 7:00am
4 minutes to read

The key to getting rid of that adult acne you're embarrassed about could be as simple as adopting a diet based on real whole foods.

Disrupted sleep patterns and digestive complaints are the two of the most common symptoms of anxiety in children and young adults. Photo / Pexels

LIFESTYLE

Coping with back-to-school anxiety

5 Feb, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Entering a new phase in life can be anxiety inducing for anyone, regardless of age. Here are some natural remedies for helping manage those back to school jitters.

Many digestive problems can be traced back to eating habits. Keeping a diary where you note the situations when your IBS occurs can be very helpful. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

Natural remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

29 Jan, 2017 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Medical herbalist Sandra Clair offers some natural remedies for a common problem.

LIFESTYLE

How to minimize chicken pox scars

15 Jan, 2017 8:30am
3 minutes to read

Your child may have made it through an itchy battle with chicken pox, but what about the scars they've been left with?

For a health boost, choose organic vegetables and leafy greens, which enhance detoxification via the liver. Photo / Getty

LIFESTYLE

How to detox naturally

4 Jan, 2017 7:00am
4 minutes to read

OPINION: Methods of detoxification have existed in different cultures for thousands of years, and science has started to catch up with traditional wisdom.

The immune system of an allergy sufferer responds to a safe substance such as pollen as unsafe, and mounts an immune attack. Photo / Getty

LIFESTYLE

Natural remedies to fight hay fever

26 Dec, 2016 7:00am
3 minutes to read

It's that time of year when hay fever sufferers' symptoms flare up. Here's how to keep the allergies under control.

LIFESTYLE

The history of plant medicine

21 Dec, 2016 11:30am
4 minutes to read

Medicinal plants have been used throughout history to heal the sick.

Babies with cradle cap are more likely to develop eczema at a later stage. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Your health: How to soothe cradle cap naturally

11 Dec, 2016 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Is your baby presenting flakes, yellowish-scales or redness on the scalp? Sandra has some natural alternatives to help with cradle cap.

Psoriasis on elbows. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Your health: How to naturally relieve eczema

27 Nov, 2016 7:00am
4 minutes to read

What can you suggest to naturally help relieve eczema/dermatitis, or to at least minimise its severity?

Plant medicine can assist to reduce pain and settle the child. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

How to ease children's ear infections

20 Nov, 2016 8:00am
4 minutes to read

My two sons get terrible ear infections regularly. It makes them very uncomfortable and miserable. Are there any natural remedies you can suggest?

LIFESTYLE

Natural remedies for chronic pain

13 Nov, 2016 7:00am
6 minutes to read

My partner suffers from complex regional pain syndrome. Are there any plant medicines that can be used to help with chronic pain?

LIFESTYLE

Your health: Plant medicines to add to your first aid kit

6 Nov, 2016 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Hi Sandra, what plant medicines should we be adding to our family first aid kit? Thanks for your question. As summer inches closer

Croup is a childhood illness that infects the upper airways. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Remedies for croup in children

30 Oct, 2016 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Are there any plant medicines to keep croup in children at bay?

Common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and tightness in the chest. Photo / 123RF.com

LIFESTYLE

Natural products to assist asthma symptoms

23 Oct, 2016 11:00am
3 minutes to read

New Zealand has some of the highest rates of childhood asthma, with more than one in four children diagnosed with some form.

Shin splints are caused by repeated trauma to the muscles where they attach to the shin. Photo / 123RF.com

LIFESTYLE

How to treat shin splint problems

16 Oct, 2016 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Shin splints are caused by repeated trauma to the muscles where they attach to the shin.

Children are not just small adults - their immune systems are still developing and are therefore highly sensitive to new bacteria and viruses. Photo / Getty

LIFESTYLE

How to boost children's immunity

9 Oct, 2016 8:30am
5 minutes to read

When a child's immune system takes a hit, how can you help build it back up again?