Anti-Bacterial Plant Benefits

Lyn Russell, RYT-500, RCYT, B.Ed., Dip.T., ACOA Dip. (M.Nat.Th) • Sep 24, 2020

A few weeks ago I shared the goodness that can be found in the herbs from our herb garden and how they can help our wellness. Today I'd like to share some amazing anti-bacterial plants, that are also easy to grow in our backyards, in pots or in the ground. These plants provide amazing natural ways to ward off some common bacteria that sometimes rear their heads as we change seasons.

GARLIC

Garlic has long been recognised across the world for its preventative and curative powers. Research has found that garlic can be an effective treatment against many forms of bacteria. With many of us spending more time at home we can eat it freely without fear of the odour scaring away our friends.

GINGER

Several studies have shown ginger's ability to fight many strains of bacteria. The scientific community also recognises ginger as a natural antibiotic. Researchers are also exploring ginger's power to combat seasickness and nausea and to lower blood sugar levels.

TIP: Add grated ginger (or pure essential oil) to salads and stir fries for a zingy hit. Two slices of ginger added to hot hot tea gives your digestive system a much needed booster. My husband loves adding a drop of ginger essential oil with a drop of honey (to help the oil combine with the water) to his tea daily.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea has been used to treat infections for many years. Scientific reports state an extract of Echinacea purpurea can kill many different kinds of bacteria and may also fight inflammation associated with bacterial infection.

CLOVE WATER

Research is now finding that clove water extract may be effective against many different kinds of bacteria.

OREGANO OIL

Oregano oil is widely recognised for its antimicrobial activity, as well as its antiviral and antifungal properties. Oregano also aids digestion. A few drops of Oregano oil in a steam inhale may provide benefits to sinus and chest congestion.

BASIL

Basil is often used for its strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Did you know Basil oil has also found a wide application in perfumery and dental / oral products nowadays?

HONEY

Yes I know it's not a plant, but it is definitely worth a mention. Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection. The antibacterial effects of honey are usually attributed to its hydrogen peroxide content. One study documented that honey can inhibit approximately 60 kinds of bacteria.

TIP: Add a teaspoon of honey to hot water for a soothing sweet drink. For sore throats, add a teaspoon of honey, half a teaspoon of crushed garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice to hot water for a triple action bug killer.

Do you have any of these plants in your backyard? If not, why not give them a try. If you can source honey from a local supplier, why not try that also. We are lucky to have local honey produced 4 streets away from us in their backyard. Can't get more local than that. Not only are we getting the benefits of pure local honey, but we are also supporting a local small business which is very important to me.

If you love the science behind plant, their oils and benefits, a great source for further information is:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

If you have any other tips, please share them in the comments below, I love hearing from my readers. And as always, please feel free to share this with anyone you think may be interested. Happy gardening!

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What is Yin Yoga?

By Lyn Russell, RYT-500, RCYT, B.Ed., Dip.T., ACOA Dip. (M.Nat.Th) • 30 Jul, 2023

Yin Yoga is a slow-paced, gentle style of yoga that focuses on holding passive poses for an extended period, typically ranging from 3 to 5 minutes or even longer. The practice primarily targets the connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia, rather than the muscles. Find out more about yin yoga below.

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By Lyn Russell, RYT-500, RCYT, B.Ed., Dip.T., ACOA Dip. (M.Nat.Th) • 27 Jun, 2023

According to Ayurveda, the Ancient Indian system of medicine, both green and red apples are considered beneficial in Ayurveda, but they have slightly different qualities. Find out more as you read on.

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By Lyn Russell, RYT-500, RCYT, B.Ed., Dip.T., ACOA Dip. (M.Nat.Th) • 27 Oct, 2022

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Yoga for Older Students

By Lyn Russell, RYT-500, RCYT, B.Ed., Dip.T., ACOA Dip. (M.Nat.Th) • 14 Oct, 2022

Why is yoga and yoga therapy for older students so beneficial and why do they require special attention? When discussing the needs of older students, we are referring to those aged over 50. You may be surprised that we class 50 and over older, however these students present with a more unique history than our younger students. Therefore it is important to provide yoga sessions or yoga therapy that is suited to their special needs. Along with the usual intake steps that apply to all students, when looking at older students we need to pay particular attention to things such as: injury history and medical conditions lifestyle factors medications aims and expectations Injury history and medical conditions Injury history and medical conditions are important details that your yoga teacher should know regardless of your age. You may not know what is relevant to your yoga practice, so it is important to inform your yoga teacher or yoga therapist of your medical history, medical conditions and injury history. This allows us to provide practices that can support certain body or organ systems Lifestyle factors Lifestyle factors are extremely important to consider when planning a yoga practice for older students. Things to pay attention to include sleep quality, energy level and nutrition Medication Medication can have a huge impact on the type of yoga practice older students should be doing. Certain medications can change your balance, coordination and pain perception. Informing your yoga teacher or yoga therapist can allow them to provide a safe practice for your individual circumstances. Key Areas For Focus in Yoga We aim to maintain a healthy range of motion: Moving the body in different directions - forwards, backwards, side bending and rotation all encourage tissue elasticity, lubrication and circulation. Improve posture: As we age we tend towards flexion, which can create flow-on effects on bone loading, breathing, digestion, energy, and mood. Building the back body and posterior shoulder strength, as well as allowing time in 'neutral' positions of the spine is important. Postures such as chest openers and shoulder stretches as well as deep breathing is very beneficial. Working and strengthening under-utilised areas such as the back and posterior shoulders, the glutes, core and upper body Improving stability and preventing falls with poses that coordinate opposite sides of the body, standing and kneeling poses, foot awareness work and moving from pose to pose are key areas to work on as we age. Down-regulating the nervous system by emphasising the parasympathetic nervous system through mindful movement, Yoga Nidra, body scans, yin and restorative poses, Savasana, breath work and meditation. Cultivating acceptance of the stage of life we find ourselves in is extremely important. This may involve a gradual withdrawal from family and worldly life, to prepare for life as we age. Concepts from yoga philosophy can be helpful here - svadhyaya (self-study), vairagya (non-attachment) and santosha (contentment) There are many tools of yoga that can support the body, mind and emotions as we age. Why not give yoga or yoga therapy a try and see what it can do for you.