Back to School Blues 🎓

August 27, 2026 by Jurgen

FAQ – My son hates going back to school after the freedom of the holidays, he often ends up with head lice or a sore throat thanks to at least one of his schoolmates which just makes things worse. What can I do to get him to go back more willingly and keep him clear of bugs?

back2school_blues

Going back to school is always a traumatic time for kids, both boys and girls, as they face the challenges of the year ahead, but yes, there are gentle remedies that can help. Passiflora is a wonderful herbal remedy that may help to calm frayed nerves and anxiety.

Head lice are undesired guests. Neem shampoo is a natural head lice repellent that contains Neem seed extract, which is both gentle on the scalp and mighty effective. The beauty of it is, that it doesn’t just get rid of the lice but also the eggs, which most chemical organophosphate pesticides shampoos can’t do.

Children who are well nourished will have stronger immune systems and will be better able to throw off infections. It is not healthy to be overly protected from bugs and beasties – the immune system needs some challenges in order to mature. Feed your child well, make sure they run about in the fresh air regularly, and don’t worry about the occasional cold or runny nose. Turning the central heating up and dosing them with antibiotics will just weaken their immune function in the long term.

If your child is healthy all summer and then picks up a bug the minute he returns to school, you can give them Echinacea and Vitamin C to help prevent them falling ill and strengthen their immune system. – For a sore throat use Sage throat spray.

Don’t get sniffles in the way of going back to school! – Remedies are available in-store.

Mullein – Respiratory Health

July 18, 2026 by Jurgen

Verbascum thapsus – Mullein

Mullein is a tall plant with soft, fuzzy leaves and small yellow flowers and has a long history in traditional herbal medicine for respiratory support.

Why people use it

Mullein is known for supporting the lungs and airways. Traditionally it has been used to promote clear breathing, soothe the throat, and support the body’s natural response to mucus (flame). It’s a mild, plant-based herb, making it a popular choice for those seeking gentle respiratory support.

How to use it

Mullein fits easily into a daily routine as a tea for a simple, soothing option or as a fresh herbal tincture which absorbs more quickly. If making tea, strain it well to remove fine leafy hairs.

Safety and quality

Mullein is generally well tolerated with no known side-effects, even along conventional medication. Follow recommended serving sizes, choose clearly labelled products free from unnecessary additives.

Methylene Blue – A bolt from the Blue

May 12, 2026 by Jurgen

Many of us who studied chemistry in school will remember the ubiquitous bottles of methylene blue — a dark blue, ink-like substance used in various reactions, tests, and as a staining agent. What might come as a surprise is that methylene blue was the first synthetic pharmaceutical ever created. It was first produced as a dye by a German chemist in 1876 and quickly found use as a medicine.

Initially used to treat methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder), methylene blue later became a treatment for conditions such as malaria, urinary tract infections, cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning, septic shock, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Its historical use also contributed to the development of other widely-used antimalarials and antidepressants.

Modern research has focused on methylene blue’s ability to enhance mitochondrial function. Mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of cells, convert glucose and oxygen into energy. Dysfunction in these structures is thought to contribute significantly to degenerative and age-related diseases.

Because of this, methylene blue is being investigated for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease, as well as ischemic brain injury (such as stroke), traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neuro-degenerative conditions. Its key mechanism appears to be enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, which improves energy production, blood flow, and cellular repair.

Additionally, methylene blue may boost levels of vital brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which can elevate mood and support mental well-being.

As a powerful antioxidant and enhancer of energy metabolism, methylene blue could help combat age-related changes throughout the body, potentially helping us look younger and stay healthier longer.

Recent attention has also turned to its antimicrobial properties, with promising implications in the fight against bacterial and viral infections. TBC.

Caution: Methylene blue is a dye and should not be used if you are taking antidepressant medications. It may stain the tongue and cause temporary discolouration of urine and stool.