Ask Ali
Alison Cullen is a Nutritional Therapist with a special interest in Phytotherapy.
Ali will endeavour to give the best advice based on the information provided. However, it is always advisable to have a face-to-face consultation with a doctor or health care practitioner to obtain a diagnosis of any health matter which is concerning you.
Q I just recently divorced after a four-year separation and a marriage of 33 years. How do I stop the tape from running on what I did wrong? Is there an essence I can take and if so for how long.
A There is a Flower Essence that you may find useful. It is called Confidence Essence and was designed to help people move on from past experiences so that they didn't hamper them in their future thoughts and actions. For example, if you've smashed your car and your driving is now hampered by the thought that you are going to smash it again!
You may also find White Chestnut useful if you have the same thoughts going round and round in your head at night, stopping you getting a good sleep.
I also wonder if you might benefit from doing something different and positive, to give your thoughts new directions and focus on things that you enjoy and feel fulfilled by. Maybe take some time to think over all the areas of life that you've been interested in previously, but maybe not had time or opportunity to delve into (anything from painting to car maintenance to scuba diving to choral singing...), and then see which areas you'd like to take up. In my clinic, I find that women who have been in a relationship for a long time, especially if they have children, have lost the ability to think about their own lives and what they would like to do with them, even down to what they would like to eat! Everything revolves around other people's wishes...
Physical activity will help to raise your endorphin levels (happy chemicals that are good for your mood and also your immune system) and divert your mind from repetitive thought patterns.
QI have been experiencing problems with my eyes. A feeling of tiredness and problems around artificial lighting. I have read that Ginkgo biloba can help your eyes. Is this true?
AGinkgo biloba can help to improve circulation to the head so it may have a beneficial effect on your eyes. However, there is a remedy specifically for the symptoms you mentioned. Bilberry tincture, 20 drops twice a day in a little water, can help to reduce eyestrain and sensitivity and improve vision.
Q I would like to know what you suggest for somebody with osteoporosis. Supplements are already being taken, but I wondered if you knew of something additional to strengthen the bones, maybe a less known or rare alternative.
AOsteoporosis tends to occur because more calcium is being lost from the bones than is being put back. Taking a calcium supplement can help to reverse this but, unfortunately, for some women this is ineffective. This can be due to poor absorption and utilisation of calcium
We regret that it is not possible for us to print answers to all the letters Ali receives. Remember that back issues of Healthy Way articles and Ask Ali are available on this website
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