Today is the first day that it’s felt cold here in Hythe and we’ve had lots of people call in over the past week wanting to buy Echinacea and other immune boosting herbs.

At Foreman and Jones we offer lots of help to get you through the colder months from Immune Boosting and warming/circulatory herbs to massage therapies that help you feel tip top and fit through the winter.

Here’s what our Sports Massage Therapist – Ian Godden has to say about treatment through the colder months of the year ……

‘Sports therapy massage is not just for people involved in sport. With the winter months coming it’s important to look after your muscles and joints. Massage will help keep the muscles strong and mobilise the joints to prevent tightness. Remember to keep warm and take part in some sort of physical activity i.e. walking, cycling or swimming for general wellbeing’

Herbal Medicine and Optimal Health through the Winter

Many people often dread the colder months of the year because for them this means recurrent infections, low energy, low mood and an increase in pain from Arthritis and other joint problems.

During the winter months herbs really come into their own. There are many herbs to boost the immune system – Echinacea and Elderberry for example. There are also many herbs that work as anti-virals and general tonics for the Respiratory System, preventing patients getting colds, coughs and ‘flus.

There are also many herbs which can help to alleviate arthritis and aches and pains through the winter. These include warming and anti-inflammatory herbs, a prescription could include herbs like Devils Claw, Ginger, Prickly Ash and Tumeric (to name but a few).

For more information on massage treatments or herbs that can help you through the winter call us on 01303 760001.

DrinkScan – The World’s First Drink Intolerance Programme

Leading medical charity Allergy UK have stated that up to 45% of the UK population are affected by reactions to ingredients in drinks. Ingredients in coffee, teas, wines, beers, juices and smoothies all have the potential to cause intolerance symptoms. A drink intolerance is an adverse reaction to an ingredient present in something you’re drinking, the reaction usually worsens the more of that drink you consume.

What symptoms would I experience if I had a drink intolerance?

Symptoms that are most commonly associated with a drink intolerance include headaches, fatigue, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, gut pain and skin conditions.

How can the DrinkScan Intolerance Programme help me?

Once you have been tested, your results will be sent off to our lab and will shortly come back to us here at Foreman and Jones. You will then receive an hour consultation (included in the overall price of the DrinkScan) to discuss your results thoroughly. You will be provided with nutritional support and guidance in order to help you manage your reactions to everyday drink ingredients and reduce the intake of those drinks you have an intolerance to. You will also be given a guidebook and a 12 week diary to record any drinks you have consumed and to take note of any symptoms those drinks have caused.

What drinks are tested within the DrinkScan Programme?

To take a look at the list of drinks that are tested click here

For more information or to book a DrinkScan Test, don’t hesitate to call us on 01303 760001 or email us at enquiries@foremanandjones.co.uk

Love Your Tummy Month at Foreman & Jones – Constipation and Herbal Medicine -
Constipation is a Symptom, not an Illness!

People often refer to ‘having a bit of constipation,’ and in common language, constipation is often referred to as if is a condition in itself. In fact it is merely a symptom of digestive imbalance. If the bowel is working properly then you shouldn’t go for days without opening your bowels or have time to sit and read half a magazine while on the toilet!

Causes of constipation

There are many causes for constipation, which means that the relevant treatment can vary. As herbalists we mainly see patients with chronic constipation, rather than acute.
Most people empty their bowels every day, and we would say that this bowel habit is ideal. However, a patient’s bowel habits can vary greatly, from opening their bowels only once per week to many times per day.

When a patient is constipated the changes that can occur are:
1) Opening the bowels less frequently
2) Small amount of faeces passed, with retention of faeces even though the bowels are opened regularly (this is cumulative constipation)
3) Dry and hard faeces, even though the bowels are opened daily. This can be due to prolonged retention in the bowel, dehydration or insufficient fibre in the diet.

Common causes of constipation

Obstruction

• Diverticular disease
• Colon cancer

Painful conditions

• Anal fissures
• Prolapsed piles

Drugs which ‘slow’ the bowel

• Codeine
• Morphine

Habit and diet

• Dehydration
•Over use of laxatives
• Starvation
• Lack of fibre (bulk) in the diet
• Dyschezia (the patient ignores the normal call to open the bowels and the defaecation reflex (urge to go) is lost
• Stress

Herbal Treatment of Constipation

Treating Constipation is about more than just prescribing laxatives. Often there are many factors involved and as herbalists we make sure that any sudden onset of constipation is checked out by the patient’s doctor as this could be a symptom of a more serious complaint.

At Foreman and Jones we ask many questions about the patient’s health during a consultation and by getting a full picture of the complaint we are able to prescribe herbs that are appropriate for the individual patient. A herbal prescription for Constipation may contain anything from 2 to 10 herbs depending on the patient.

Commonly Used Herbs

There is no ‘one’ herb for constipation. But here is an idea of the range of herbs that may be used – Dandelion root, Yellow dock, Burdock, Milk Thistle, Slippery Elm, Chamomile, Licorice, Vervain (to name but a few!) We have around 200 high quality herbs in stock and this gives us plenty of scope for treating the individual with a very tailored mix.

To find out more about how herbal medicine can help you to feel better in your self why not give us a call. Advice is free of charge.

It seems to me that digestive disorders are on the increase. Perhaps it’s because of our diets, perhaps we are more stressed these days or maybe it’s down to the lifestyles we lead but I’ve certainly noticed that I have been treating many more patients with digestive problems over the last few years.

In this blog I’m going to be focusing on Acid Reflux/Heartburn, this is a very common condition whereby acid from the stomach rises up into the oesphagus (gullet) . This can lead to many symptoms including burning and pain behind the breastbone. Patients prone to hyperacidity may also burp a lot and can often have a bitter/acid taste in their mouths.

Over time hyperacidity in the stomach can lead to stomach ulcers and inflammation in the stomach linining (gastritis).

Causes of Acid Reflux/Heartburn

There can be many causes of Acid reflux/Heartburn which is why at Foreman and Jones we feel a consultation is so important. The cause of the complaint often varies dramatically from one patient to the next and this leads to a different prescription for each patient. Typical causes of this complaint are loss of oesophageal sphincter muscle tone, hiatus hernia, medications, diet and stress.

Herbal Treatment of Acid Reflux/Heartburn

At Foreman and Jones we take an hour to discuss your symptoms and we ask questions like ‘what makes your symptoms better or worse’ ‘how long have you suffered with the complaint’ and ‘can you describe your symptoms ’. Sometimes talking things through can unearth the initial cause for the imbalance because it may not be the case that the patient has always suffered with the complaint, therefore, we want to understand what is at the root of it.

Commonly used Herbs for Acid Reflux/ Heartburn

There are many herbs which can help alleviate Acid Reflux/Heartburn and often dietary changes and changes to eating habits can be really helpful too. We usually treat patients with Acid Reflux/Heartburn over a number of months but it depends on how long the patient has had the complaint for and how severe the complaint is.

Commonly used herbs for this condition include – Slippery elm, Licorice, Meadowsweet, Marshmallow root, Chamomile and Dandelion (to name but a few!).

For more information on how we can help you with Acid Reflux/Heartburn why not give us a call on 01303 760001 or email us at enquiries@foremanandjones.co.uk

It seems to me that digestive disorders are on the increase. Perhaps it’s because of our diets, perhaps we are more stressed these days or maybe it’s down to the lifestyles we lead but I’ve certainly noticed that I have been treating many more patients with digestive problems over the last few years.

In this blog I’m going to be focusing on Irritable Bowel Syndrome, this is a common condition whereby the regular waves of muscular movement along the intestines become uncoordinated. This can lead to many symptoms including bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and for many patients pain and discomfort. What many patients don’t realise is that IBS has also been linked to low energy, depression and poor concentration.

Our digestive process is very important because it’s through this process that we assimilate nutrients and essentially ‘fuel’ up! If there’s a problem with this system then often there can be nutritional deficiencies and a feeling of malaise.

There can be many causes of IBS which is why at Foreman and Jones we feel a consultation is so important. The cause of the complaint often varies dramatically from one patient to the next and this leads to a different prescription for each patient.

IBS possible causes

• Food Intolerance (at Foreman and Jones we  offer Food Intolerance pin-prick blood testing)
• Stress
• A history of taking certain medications
• A parasitic infection
• Diet
• An overgrowth of Candida albicans
• Long term use of the contraceptive pill
• Hormonal imbalance

At Foreman and Jones we take an hour to discuss your symptoms and we ask questions like ‘what makes your symptoms better or worse’ ‘how long have you suffered with the complaint’ and ‘can you describe your symptoms ’. Sometimes talking things through can unearth the initial cause for the imbalance because it may not be the case that the patient  has always suffered with the complaint, therefore, we want to understand what is at the root of it.

When prescribing a herbal medicine for a patient with IBS it’s quite a detailed process. We treat the patient holistically and no one herbal prescription for the condition is the same. We may give herbs with the following actions -  anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, demulcent and nervines.

We usually treat patients with IBS over a number of months but it depends on how long the patient has had the complaint for and how severe the complaint is.

For more information on how we can help you why not give us a call on 01303 760001.

When we receive your results at Foreman and Jones they come in a an easy to read chart. You will be able to see which foods you are intolerant to and to what extent. The level of reaction for each food is indicated on a scale of 1-4.foodscan_result_113_-_7_foods

Causes and signs such as those listed below may originate from less than optimal gut function.

The following are some of the causes and classic signs that all may not be quite as it should be in the area of digestion.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, it may be time to consider taking the Gut Health Test. If you answer all of the following questions with a ‘yes’, it is more than likely that you are not digesting or absorbing your food properly.

• Do you have abdominal cramps and pains?
• Do you have loose stools (diarrhoea) or constipation?
• Have you ever taken an antibiotic for more than one month at a time?
• Do you have chronic infections or chronic fatigue?
• Do you have a full feel or bloated feeling in your stomach, especially after eating?
• Do you often have wind?
• Do you avoid eating certain foods because they make you feel uncomfortable?
• Have you had food poisoning and your bowels have no been ‘right’ since; for example do you still suffer from diarrhoea?
• Have you ever taken oral contraceptives, HRT or steroids for extended periods?

For further information or to book your Gut Health Test here at Foreman & Jones, call us on 01303 760001 or drop us an email: enquiries@foremanandjones.co.uk

At Foreman and Jones we treat many patients suffering from Liver problems since there are many herbal medicines that are very effective in supporting liver function.

The Liver performs many vital functions in the body and is the second largest organ so Liver health is extremely important. If detected early Liver disease is preventable and can be treated.

What are the common causes of Liver Disease?

Excessive alcohol consumption, Obesity, Hepatitis and Drugs and Medications can all cause Liver Disease.

What are the symptoms of Liver Disease?

The symptoms of Liver disease are not always present until significant damage has occurred. The symptoms include tiredness, lack of concentration, repeated infections, bruising easily, yellowing of the skin, itchy palms, itching skin and intolerance to alcohol.

Pin Prick Blood Testing

We are now offering Liver Check Tests through York Test Labs. This pin prick blood testing analyses two Liver enzymes called ALT and AST. These enzymes are usually present in Liver cells but when there is cell damage they leak into the blood. Therefore, raised Liver enzymes can be indicative of Liver disease.

How is the testing performed?

We offer Liver check testing following a consultation. The consultation and testing takes 1 hr and once the sample has been collected we can usually expect to receive results from the lab within 2 weeks.

What does your results pack include?

In some circumstances it may be relevant to refer you on to your GP.

Read our other Liver blog posts
The Wonders of the Liver and How Herbal Medicine Can Treat It
Exploring Liver Herbs – Milk Thistle

How healthy is your gut? Do you know? And what difference could it make to you?

Bacteria are Bad for me Aren’t they?

Bacteria used to be thought of as the ‘bad guys’ that make us ill, but more and more people are coming to understand that we actually need bacteria to work with us, in our body to actually make us healthy.

What Do Good Bacteria Do?

The ‘good bacteria’ in our gut

What Happens When There is Bad Bacteria Overgrowth?

Harmful bacteria slows the natural processes of the gut, leading to poor digestions and an inability to absorb nutrients correctly.

How Might my Gut Have Become Unbalanced?

The ecology of the gut can be influenced by:

What About Yeast in my Gut?

Yeast and mould colonies or ‘communities’ exist naturally within our gut. Frequent or prolonged use of antibiotics, steroids or hormones (HRT or the Pill), a weak immune system, stress, or too much sugar or yeast in our diet can disrupt the good bacterial colonies, removing the process by which yeast growth is naturally kept in check.

What are the symptoms of Yeast Overgrowth?

Read our blogs about
Recurrent Thrush, Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Nails
and
Vaginal thrush
Men Can Get Thrush Too
Why People We Treat For Thrush Lose Weight

What Are The Symptoms of Gut Problems?

How Can a Yorktest GutHealthTest Help Me?

This is a service that helps you check and monitor the status of your gut health and provides detailed information to help you to optimise your digestive health.

The test is a home stool test – you collect the sample in the comfort of your own home and you post it for analysis at the laboratory. When the results come through you come in to the clinic to discuss the results and the improvements that you can make.

Where Can I Collect my Test From?

Call us at Foreman & Jones, Hythe, Kent to arrange your Gut Health Test.

The Results Provide Information About:

What Does the Gut Health Test not Test for?

How Will the Results of my Gut Health Test Help Me?

You will receive individual advice and diet recommendations which could aid your digestion and improve your gut function. You can also have a herbal medicine individually prescribed to help with your digestive problems.

What Does the Results Pack Include?

At your follow up appointment with Foreman & Jones (included in price) you receive:

Find out more about York Testing here.

How much does the test cost?

Find out more about the Digestive System.

Local Massage Therapist

My name is Jo and I am a local massage therapist offering full body massage and aromatherapy treatments. I trained in biochemistry and worked at the William Harvey Hospital for 14 years. I have dabbled with aromatherapy oils since the age of 15- making blends up at home and then in my 20’s making up labour massage oils for pregnant friends nearing the stages of labour.

I wanted to achieve a qualification in complementary therapy to back up my already extensive knowledge of the subject. I offer a truly holistic approach. This involves a detailed consultation prior to treatment. In the case of aromatherapy I make up a specific blend suited to each individual’s needs taking into consideration how they feel on the day.

For example if a client came to me feeling low and suffering with a headache I may suggest a blend including geranium to uplift and lavender to soothe. If a client came to me with a particular condition e.g. arthritis or osteoporosis I would recommend a course of six treatments to enable the client to benefit fully from the treatment but I am flexible so if a one-off is all a client can afford then that is acceptable.

Full Body Massage & Aromatherapy Treatments

Full body massage is an invigorating and more stimulating treatment than aromatherapy which is good to encourage lymphatic drainage and aid in cases of oedema(swelling and puffiness around the joints).Also in more cosmetic cases it can help with cellulite reduction due to firmer massage movements on problem areas such as the buttocks and thighs.