I hope I didn’t put you off your meat

I wrote an article a while ago saying that people who eat meat have to contend with meat that is loaded with antibiotics and all sorts of medication, which we are in turn consuming.

Now, I need to amend my comments on the matter as I had not been correct in what I had said. Shortly after the article was printed I received a phone call from a beef farmer who gently put me in my place.

The lady told me that if an animal has had antibiotics they have to wait for a withdrawal period before slaughter.

And in no way will the animal be slaughtered if there is any residue of antibiotics left. Any meat that is Board Bia approved will say Origin Ireland and have the Tricolour logo, as well as the Q symbol. This guarantees that strict protocols are followed. So I am sorry if I put anyone off their meat.

I am sure that many of you tutted to yourself when you read this knowing that I was wrong in what I said, and put very little pass on the matter. But the problem is that when we read things like this, we tend to believe that what we have read is true, we use the information to support our own theories and opinions, reinforcing what we have chosen to think or believe.

This is great when the source of information are accurate and true, it is however, very unfair when someone’s lively hood is affected by the subject matter in question. So if we are to base our beliefs on what we read, then we need to know that the source is accurate, and honest.

Thank you to all who keep me on my toes, and who read this column. Your comments and suggestions are welcome even if I can’t always respond here they are appreciated.

Best wishes,
Clair

For more information about me see www.clairsclinic.ie or if you’re in Wexford Town, Ireland, call in to see me at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street.

Advice from the real people

© Jen Collins

Recently I shared some advice from the real people — people who tell me what has worked for them. I would like to share some more with you.

A lady had a recurring cough for which she had tried everything to clear; she was really fed up with it. She tried Herbetom. This is a herbal blend which includes aloe vera, pine, eucalyptus, and plantago. It’s really effective for coughs associated with asthma, and bronchitis.

Its properties are anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and will help stimulate mucous secretion. It took a couple of bottles, but she was very happy that the remedy did clear her cough. She wanted to let us know.

Magnesium oil rub has got the thumbs up for arthritic pain. A customer was suffering with pain in her hands; she thought that was nothing she could do about it. She read about Magnesium oil rub and decided to try it. She came back to tell us that she was delighted with the relief it gave her. Magnesium oil can also be used to help relieve aches and pains, restless legs, and muscle cramps.

A young teenager was told by her doctor that she could never wear mascara as she had sensitive eyes, well, she was devastated. But Linda suggested that she try mascara from a natural range of cosmetics called Benecos. She tried it and was absolutely delighted; it caused her no problems and she can comfortably wear the Benecos Mascara. Since then we have had more feedback from people who can’t wear mascara. If you have problems with mascara its worth having a look at this range.

Sticking with sensitivities, a lady with rosacea, was looking for something to reduce the redness on her cheeks, she was embarrassed by the condition. Linda suggested some dietary advice as well as trying Aubrey moisturiser, and cleanser, the one for sensitive skin. The lady was delighted with it. Her redness was reduced and she felt better in herself. Your feedback is important to us. It helps us to help others. So keep on telling us your positive stories so we can share them with others.

Best wishes,
Clair

For more information about me see www.clairsclinic.ie or if you’re in Wexford Town, Ireland, call in to see me at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street.

Nature’s antibiotics

Echinacea | Image by Gene Wilburn

Recently I wrote about Vitamin D to boost the immune system but customers have been asking me about natural antibiotics. I have worked in the Health Industry for almost 20 years and Echinacea and Garlic are two that have stood the test of time.

Echinacea has both anti-biotic and anti-viral properties. This makes  it very useful for  treating colds and flus which are caused by viruses. But the anti-bacterial properties will help prevent the secondary bacterial infections that can often come at the end of a cold or flu which can result in chesty coughs. It’s recommended for anyone aged 12 and upwards and is not advisable if you’re allergic to the daisy family. Many use Echinacea to boost their immune system in order to prevent infection.

Garlic has been used for centuries for its extensive medicinal uses. As well as its antibacterial properties, it has been used to reduce mucous, blood pressure and cholesterol , boost the immune system, and can kill the yeast organisms which are associated with Candida. It can also thin the blood. It’s available odour free so that you won’t lose any friends! Economy brands are fine to use for general health but if you are needing to treat an existing problem/infection you will find that high dose products like Quest Kyolic garlic will be more potent.

When my two were toddlers I used either Echinacea or Garlic, but of course today you cannot use Echinacea for under 12’s. Instead you can use  Comvita Olive Leaf extract for children and Olive Leaf full strength for adults. Olive leaf extract has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti- fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and has strong anti-oxidant properties. This makes it a very versatile remedy to have in the house. Olive Leaf is an amazing remedy.

This is only a small sample of anti-biotics that nature provides but are probably the most frequently used and researched. Always check with your healthcare practitioner if you are on any medication. My motto is:  Food supplements are safe — if safely used!

Best wishes,
Clair

For more information about me see www.clairsclinic.ie or if you’re in Wexford Town, Ireland, call in to see me at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street.