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Thursday 20 June 2013

Scientists discover a cellular mechanism to help explain cancer metastasis.

A mechanism that causes cancer cells to metastasize has been described as a “chase and run” between healthy cells and cancer cells. As healthy cells try to evade the cancer cells, they emit a chemical attractant that causes the malignant cells to follow them, thus spreading the cancer. The researchers hope this information can be used in the future to find a new way to treat metastasis.

For more, read UCL news here ...  

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0613/130517-chase-and-run-cell-movement-explains-metastasis

Wednesday 19 June 2013

Free Health Chats

For anyone in Wiltshire:

I will be offering free health chats and advice at Swindon Pulse Wholefoods (27 Curtis St) on Thursday 4th July, 2013. No booking required - just drop in between 10am - 12 noon (see also www.lynblythe.com)

Saturday 15 June 2013

The humble dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The humble dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, uprooted by gardeners, is one of the plants most commonly used by Herbalists!


Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)


Research supports the use of the leaves as a diuretic. This effect has been used to reduce high blood pressure, but, whereas conventional diuretics can cause potassium loss, with associated side effects, this does not occur with dandelion as the leaves are rich in this mineral.

The root has been used by Herbalists throughout history as a digestive aid, to help constipation and to improve some joint and skin conditions. Studies increasingly support this use.

Dandelion is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D and minerals, including potassium, iron, copper, calcium and zinc

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)

Herbal Medicine - a prescription tailored to your individual health.

A consultation with an Herbalist lasts at least an hour. During that time there will be a long discussion about the symptoms and ailment bothering you. The consultation then moves on to all other aspects of your health. This allows the Herbalist to gain a wealth of information about your current health, and also your past medical history  - all vital to the success of the prescription.

The herbalist aims to identify and address the cause of symptoms, rather than suppress them, as symptoms are warning signs to indicate a health problem.

A prescription of herbs is tailored to each individual, so two people with the same condition are unlikely to be given the same combination of herbs. Often there are many herbs which may address the problem concerned. The herbalist is trained to select the most appropriate for each individual, and to combine this with other herbs to support the effect.

As a consequence of the detailed consultation, the herbalist is often able to select herbs in a way which allows several health issues to be addressed at the same time.

An example of this is provided by considering a scenario of two people complaining of eczema. One person may have symptoms triggered by stress, but a medical history of raised blood pressure and poor sleep. The second person may have eczema triggered by a food intolerance, with a history of frequent headaches and digestive symptoms. Prescriptions for both are likely to have some similarities, but the combinations of herbs for each will also include important differences, allowing the specific underlying health issues of each individual to be addressed.

For more details on Herbal Medicine, visit www.lynblythe.com

Tinctures (medicines) in the dispensary