Page 15 - Natural Health (February 2020)

NEWS

SUPP SPOT

Plant Profile: jasmine
The Federation of Holistic Therapists Feel young again
(fht.org.uk) examines the health benefits Scientists claim grandparents who
of jasmine... help take care of their grandchildren
Jasmine is a climbing evergreen shrub are less lonely because it expands
with small green leaves and delicate white their social circle, and can help boost
lowers that produce a sweet aroma. their self-esteem.
The plant is believed to have originated in
Egypt but the lowers have been used by Sleep pattern
various cultures since antiquity, for personal Researchers claim regularly getting
adornment and religious ceremonies, from anxiety, fear, depression or tension. seven to eight hours of sleep each
and also to relieve respiratory problems. However, it’s also helpful for those who are night could cut your chances of
Jasmine has also been used in classic indecisive or lack conidence in general. heart disease and stroke – even if
perfumery since the 16th century. In skincare, jasmine is good for dry and you’re genetically at-risk.
The plant’s essential oil is one of the sensitive skin, promoting elasticity and
most expensive to purchase, as it requires reducing the appearance of stretch marks Chilli eaters
a large volume of hand-picked lowers to and scarring. Like rose essential oil, jasmine Results showed that adults who ate
produce just a small amount. However, it has an ainity with the female reproductive chili peppers as much as four times
is held in high regard in the aromatherapy system, though some sources discourage each week, were less likely to die
community, due to its strong aphrodisiac its use during pregnancy. from a heart attack.
and antidepressant properties. This makes
it an ideal choice for clients who have Important safety note: never ingest plant
sexual problems or loss of libido stemming essential oils or apply to the skin undiluted.

“The world now consumes about 80 billion new
pieces of clothing every year, four times more than The
we consumed two decades ago” - page 98 BAROMETER

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? Unhealthy behaviours

Wellness retreats Being overweight in your 50s can
Holidays are increasingly becoming more lead to stiff and narrow arteries, and
about taking time away from your daily one cause of dementia can be a lack
stress-inducing routine and having a of blood flow to brain cells due to
moment for yourself, which means damaged vessels.
forgoing cultural excursions in favour of
mindful retreats. The trend is about more Nerve damage
than just relaxing on a sun-drenched Doctors warn that a fifth of vegans
lounger though – however relaxing for are deficient in vitamin B12 and face
many of us that might seem. From yoga the risk of irreversible nerve damage
and meditation to silent stays and leaving hands and feet numb.
ayurvedic practices, these trips have
physical and mental wellbeing at their Muscle loss
heart, and use a wealth of diferent Researchers have found, for the
methods to have you thinking and feeling first time, that less muscle and more
diferently by the end of your stay. While
such retreats are available in the UK, the body fat may affect how flexible our
A-list have been partaking in international thinking is as we become older, and
soul-cleansing adventures for some time changes in parts of the immune
and, as the concept becomes more system could be responsible.
mainstream and less hardcore, there’s a
multitude of luxurious yet wellness-driven
hotels you can discover across the globe.

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