by Brendon Groves | 08/05/2019 at 4:00am | Autumn, Winter
Oats A Great Prebiotic
The benefits of Oats. Apart from the great taste, this healthy grain is an effective prebiotic, which means it supports your microbiome. As a result, oats increase healthy gut bacteria. It contains high amounts of beta-glucan fibre and some resistant starch. Also, some studies show oats may improve your blood sugar control. ref.
Recipe for Porridge
In a saucepan add 50g of rolled oats and 350ml of water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Be careful not to let the porridge stick to the bottom of the pan. Pour in a bowl aloud to cool.
Spice up your porridge with a topping mix:
- Add a heaped tablespoon of linseed meal
- 1/2 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1/3 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1/2 grated apple
- Or just add some berries
Serve with choice of milk, diary free if required.
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Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Contact us Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 05/05/2019 at 8:38am | Autumn, Colds & Flu, Winter
Boost Your Immune System When You Need It.
The Ganoderma lucidum, common name reishi mushroom is hard when dried. It boosts the immune system in viral and bacterial infections. So to make a tea, you need to either use an infusion or a decoction method. A decoction is used to extract active ingredients out of hard substances like died mushrooms. The heat forces the plant material to release the active ingredients. In this case, immune modulation substances that are anti-viral, antibacterial, expectorant, and it anti-allergic.
Ingredients
5 grams of dried organic Reishi mushrooms slices
5 cups of water
Dosage
Daily recommended 1 tsp 1-2 times per day for prevention
Daily recommended 1 tsp every 2 hours for sore throats
I am happy to talk to you, text me and I will call back if you are unsure of what dosage to take.
Directions
Use the slices directly, or you can grind them in a coffee grinder or blender. The smaller the pieces the more active ingredients will be extracted in the decoction. In a pot bring the water to a boil, add the reishi mushroom slices or powder. Reduce the heat until simmering. Let it simmer for 30-45 minutes. Remove from the heat, strain, allow to cool a little. It tastes bitter. Don’t say you don’t like it. It’s good for you. If you need to change the taste add a bit of Manuka honey.
Tea Cautions
Not to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not to be used in children under two years of age without medical advice. Allergy response is rare but can happen. Do Not take if on immune-suppressing drugs (kidneys, heart, lung transplants) it always wise to check with your health care provider. Any persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever and or has yellow or green mucus should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. I would not give this mixture to a young child. If a child has a persistent cough, they should see a doctor.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this tea?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them. It might be the change they are looking for. Ultimately, my goal is to provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on the way to best support your health goals.
If there are any aspects of your diet or health, you would like to discuss or clarify. Contact us through this website or if it is of a more private nature contact me directly.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 29/04/2019 at 4:15am | Autumn, Colds & Flu, Winter
A Remedy for Sore Throats.
The use of raw onion dates back to the 1500s where it was used to reduce symptoms of colds, flu and other mild respiratory conditions. More specifically runny nose, sore throat, congestion, mucus and coughs. Due to compounds found in onions called flavonoids and organosulfur. As a result, onions are a great way to manage these mild respiratory conditions. This onion cough mixture may help to soothe a sore throat.
Ingredients
1 Onion
4 tablespoons Honey
4 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
Finely chop the onion into small pieces, placed into a clean jar and cover with 4 tablespoons of honey, good antibacterial honey like Manuka Honey or Active Jelly-bush honey. Leave this mixture to stand for 3 to 4 hours and then add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, mix thoroughly.
Dosage
Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture as required for cough. For those you prefer it a little stronger, you can add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the mixture and if you want to take a step further add a pinch of cayenne pepper, remember to mix it in.
Caution
Any persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever and/or has yellow or green mucus should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. One precaution I have read is regarding the honey: do not give honey to children under 1 year of age unless it is pasteurised or boiled for five minutes. I would not give this mixture to a young child. If a child has a persistent cough, they should see a doctor.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this post?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Contact us Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 05/04/2019 at 6:02am | Autumn, Colds & Flu, Winter
What most people do.
Generally, for the majority, every winter when we get sick we vow to do the right thing and be better prepared for next year. So, let’s take action and protect you and your family from colds and flu. You have enough time before winter gets here.
Why should you prepare?
It takes time for your immune system to build up reserves in readiness for the new strains of viruses. And it turns out that prevention is better than cure. A healthy immune defence can:
- Reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Reduces the severity of your cold and flu symptoms if you catch one.
- And can help to speed up your recovery.
Before you know it winter will be here
As soon as you hear the frequent sniffling and coughing around you, your immune system is working hard behind the scenes to fend off those bugs. Catching the cold and flu tend to be synonymous with being run down, stress and a reduction in air temperature. You may find yourself yet again suffering with cold and flu symptoms. It does not have to be that way this time.
How to protect yourself and your family?
What Supplements can I use to prevent and treat symptoms?
Studies show that Natural Medicines can prevent, treat and shortening the time it takes to get over a colds and flu. They can boost your immune system as well as provide a direct defence against the infection.
- Zinc: adequate levels of zinc inhibit the cold and flu viruses.
- Vitamin C: Enhances the activity of your immune fighting white blood cells. Also reducing severity and duration of symptoms.
- Vitamin D: It acts as inflammatory and also helps to build your immune system if it’s low.
- Probiotics have been scientifically proven to enhance immune responses. Due to their ability to providing healthy gut immunity, one of the best defences against inhaled and ingested pathogens.
- Andrographis is a powerful herb that stimulates the body’s natural immune response, and significantly reduces the duration of colds. It can be used as a preventive and very effective for acute treatment as soon as you get cold symptoms.
What the heck I have to change my lifestyle and diet.
Yes, once you get into it, it will become the second nature to you. Here are my recommendations to improve your resistance and support recovery from colds and flu:
- Rest is best. Have a good night sleep, give your body a chance to recuperate
- Eat warm, nourishing foods like homemade chicken and vegetable soup.
- Drink plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated, especially if you don’t have an appetite.
- Introduce foods such as garlic, ginger, onion and chilli to help warm you up and reduce inflammation and fight off illness.
Be Prepared
Make sure you are prepared this cold and flu season and have your immune first aid kit ready. In most cases, cold and flu can last up to 7-10 days. It would be wise to have a:
- Prevention Plan (supplements take the recommended dose on the label)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D (if you are deficient)
- Zinc
- Eat warming foods
- Schedule in your rest and downtime.
- Drink 2 litres room temperature water per day.
- Reduce your stress, ask for help in those areas.
- Treatment Plan A (supplements take the recommended dose on the label)
- Andrographis
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Probiotics
- Rest a lot
- Keep hydrated 2-3 litres room temperature water per day
- Eat soups and stews as they are easy to digest
- Eliminate mucus forming foods.
- Treatment Plan B
- If symptoms persist and you are not getting better see your doctor.
Caution a cold and flu can get nasty.
If a persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever, a healthcare care professional should evaluate any cough which is productive or yellow or green mucus. You don’t want to end up with pneumonia.
Child with cold and Flu
Precaution: a child with a cough, and fever that spikes at 38.5°C you need to have a plan to manage the temperature, a high fever can quickly turn into a febrile convulsion. Seek medical help if you have any doubts about your child’s well-being, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, see a doctor even if there are no other symptoms.
If your child has problems with breathing take them to the hospital immediately or call an ambulance.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this article?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them. It might be the change they are looking for. Ultimately, my goal is to provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on the way to best support your health goals.
If there are any aspects of your diet or health, you would like to discuss or clarify. Contact us through this website or if it is of a more private nature contact me directly.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 26/05/2018 at 6:44am | Colds & Flu, Winter
Warming Up for Winter
Whether you’re comfortable in the cold or wished summer would never end, winter has undeniably returned for another year. As temperatures lower, so too can your immune system’s capacity to fight off the bugs that cause colds and flus. Riding public transport, working in an office and/or having kids at school provide ample opportunities for the whole family to be exposed to others who are sick. Airborne pathogens, as well as those present on shared items (e.g. bathroom taps and communal kitchens) can pose additional threats. Altogether, a winter- weakened immune system combined with increased exposure to infection-causing bugs, results in the ideal scenario for a cold or flu to strike; leaving you coughing and sneezing, with a sore throat and feeling under the weather!
Super Mushrooms Can Save You!
Did you know that when it comes to the immune system, medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps, coriolus, shiitake and reishi have superhero-like properties? Individually, each species of mushroom has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in enhancing the immune system, and can assist in resolving short-term, chronic and recurrent infections. What’s more, this combination of mushrooms provides symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract infections, including reducing mucus congestion.
Immune Boosting Super Heroes
Build a strong, resilient immune system with the help of herbs and nutrients:
Zinc: Like Robin is to Batman, zinc can be mushrooms’ very useful sidekick. This key mineral assists your immune system in functioning optimally, and helps to reduce the severity and duration of a cold or flu.Andrographis: This heroic herb can reduce the duration of cold symptoms thanks to its immune-stimulating actions.
Super Charge Your Immunity
Give your immune system a head start by incorporating these healthy habits into your diet and lifestyle:
Eat fresh fruits and veggies: Aim for at least two serves of fruit and three cups of vegetables daily. Fill your plate with a rainbow of colour to provide nutrients and antioxidants to help build strong immunity. Lightly cooked vegetables are a nourishing option in winter.
Eliminate inflammatory foods: Sugar, refined carbohydrates, dairy, and wheat can all be inflammatory and may suppress immune function.
Reduce stress: Stress steals energy and nutrients from your immune system, leaving you susceptible to getting sick. Enjoy the benefits of scheduling time out, meditation and time spent in nature.
Exercise regularly: Remaining active not only makes you feel good; it also reduces the frequency of
contracting a cold by up to 46%.1
Sleep soundly: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to restore energy and allow your immune system to regain its strength and resilience.
If winter for you means multiple colds, days off work or catching yet another flu from a sick family member or colleague, embrace immune boosting Natural Medicines and let this be your season of change.
by Brendon Groves | 22/05/2018 at 10:55am | Colds & Flu, Winter
Winter is Coming
Every winter when you get sick, you tell yourself to be more prepared next year. As soon as someone sneezes at work, school, or home, you find yourself with yet another cold or flu. It does not have to be that way this chilly winter season. Arm yourself and your family with the tools to build strong immune defences to reduce your risk of getting sick. If you do get sick, a strong immune system will also reduce the severity of your cold and flu symptoms, and help to speed your recovery.
Natural Medicines to Prevent and Treat Symptoms
There are many Natural Medicines that are beneficial in preventing, treating and shortening the duration of colds and flus. These agents can boost your immune system as well as provide the necessary tools to help you fight against infection. Look out for these immune boosters:
- Zinc: Optimal levels of zinc in the body have been found to inhibit the common cold and influenza viruses.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports healthy immune function by enhancing the activity of your immune defence army of white blood cells; also reducing severity and duration of symptoms.
- Andrographis: This powerful herb stimulates the body’s natural immune response, and significantly reduces the duration of colds. You or your loved ones can take this herb as a preventative to keep your immunity strong; it can also be used acutely as soon as you get cold symptoms.
Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations
Incorporate these handy tips into your life to improve your resistance and support recovery from colds and flus:
- Rest! Give your body a chance to gather strength and make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
- Eat warm, nourishing foods. Homemade chicken and vegetable soup can help break down mucus that often comes with colds and flus. If you don’t have an appetite, the broth alone will provide minerals and vitamins to give you strength.
- Eat foods such as garlic, ginger, onion and chilli to help fight off illness, warm you up and reduce inflammation.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated.
Be Prepared
Make sure you are prepared this cold and flu season – and remember, prevention is better than cure! Have all the essential immune nutrients on hand this winter. You may want to include zinc, vitamin C, strain specific probiotics and andrographis in your immune first aid kit, to keep you and your family well this winter. Everyone will want to know your secret of how you keep well.
