Caterina Morrison - Integrative Medicine Practitioner

01/09/2025

01/09/2025

DO YOU THINK YOUR AFFECTS YOUR ?
Think again:

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions worldwide, making them a leading cause of disability. Even beyond diagnosed conditions, subclinical symptoms of depression and anxiety affect the wellbeing and functioning of a large proportion of the population. Therefore, new approaches to managing both clinically diagnosed and subclinical depression and anxiety are needed.

In recent years, the relationships between nutrition and mental health have gained considerable interest. Indeed, epidemiological research has observed that adherence to healthy or Mediterranean dietary patterns—high consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes; moderate consumption of poultry, eggs, and dairy products; and only occasional consumption of red meat—is associated with a reduced risk of depression.

Mood and carbohydrates

Consumption of highly refined carbohydrates can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Glycaemic index is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to the speed at which they are digested, absorbed, metabolised, and ultimately affect blood glucose and insulin levels. As well as the physical health risks, diets with a high glycaemic index and load (eg, diets containing high amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugars) may also have a detrimental effect on psychological wellbeing; data from longitudinal research show an association between progressively higher dietary glycaemic index and the incidence of depressive symptoms.

Clinical studies have also shown potential causal effects of refined carbohydrates on mood; experimental exposure to diets with a high glycaemic load in controlled settings increases depressive symptoms in healthy volunteers, with a moderately large effect.

Although mood itself can affect our food choices, plausible mechanisms exist by which high consumption of processed carbohydrates could increase the risk of depression and anxiety—for example, through repeated and rapid increases and decreases in blood glucose.

Measures of glycaemic index and glycaemic load can be used to estimate glycaemia and insulin demand in healthy individuals after eating. Thus, high dietary glycaemic load, and the resultant compensatory responses, could lower plasma glucose to concentrations that trigger the secretion of autonomic counter-regulatory hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, growth hormone, and glucagon.

The potential effects of this response on mood have been examined in experimental human research of stepped reductions in plasma glucose concentrations conducted under laboratory conditions through glucose perfusion. These findings showed that such counter-regulatory hormones may cause changes in anxiety, irritability, and hunger. In addition, observational research has found that recurrent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is associated with mood disorders.

21/08/2025

SPRING HERBAL FORAGING continues with:
PLAINTAIN: (Ribwort)

The fresh, edible leaves of this plant has returned from hibernation and has now surfaced above the ground to share some of its health benefits to us all in Spring......

Plantain (ribwort) is another perennial herb found throughout our lawns. Thought to be of Eurasian origin, it is now naturalised all over the world. Plantain is considered a common and noxious w**d by some and a miracle plant by others.

Plantain is both edible and medicinal. Just make sure that yours is pesticide and doggy do free The young leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a herbal additive and are very rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. The herb has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times. Plantain contains the glycoside Aucubin. Aucubin has been reported in the Journal of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. This chemical is found in many modern day components including: Ascorbic-acid (Vitamin C), Baicalein (an anti-inflammatory), Benzoic-acid (a food preservative), and Citric-acid (a natural preservative).

Leaves:
The leaves and the seeds can be used medicinally as an antibacterial, antidote, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, and an ophthalmic. Medical evidence exists to confirm uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism and blood sugar control. Plantain also causes a natural aversion to to***co and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations.

Root uses:
A tonic from the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever. The root is said to be used as an anti-venom for rattlesnake.

Seeds:
Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells in the intestines, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. Distilled water made from the plant seeds makes an excellent eye lotion.

Harvest:
Gather fresh young edible leaves in spring. Gather Plantain after flower spike forms to dry for later herb use. Harvest roots in late summer or Autumn.
Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity and it is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly stops blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. The heated leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds, skin inflammations, cuts, stings and swellings and is said to promote healing without scars. Poultice of hot leaves is bound onto cuts and wounds to draw out thorns, splinters and inflammation.

Trivia: Native Americans carried powdered roots of Plantain as protection against snakebites or to ward off snakes.
Healing salve: In large non-metallic pan place 1 pound of entire Plantain plant chopped, and 1 cup lard. Cover and cook down on low heat till all is mushy and green. Strain while hot, cool and use for burns, insect bites, rashes, and all sores. This is great for mosquito bites. .

21/08/2025

Spring is almost here and so are these little gems of the herbal world:

Herbal Medicinal Plant Foraging:
Cleavers (Galium aparine)

This little friend is finding it's way above the ground now. If you see it, hang by a moment. It is easy to identify, it always wants to "stick" around literally. I mean really hang around> this is where the inspiration for velcro came from.

It's an amazing herb that is very versatile and little contraindications bu there is caution if you are diabetic or have diuretic issues (liquid within the body) as this is a favourite herb of the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. Its primary function is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
Cleavers enhances the function of the lymphatic system and improves its ability to flush out toxins, decrease congestion and reduce swelling.

The lymph-cleansing action of this herb in turn enhances the function of the immune system. Cleavers is the ultimate springtime herb and starts to appear when sluggish immune systems are in need of a boost.

Kidney Health
The diuretic action of Cleavers helps to flush out waste, toxins and excess fluid from the kidneys. When blood flow to the kidneys declines due to illness, they respond by retaining water, which is why diuretic herbs can be useful.

Diuretic herbs help the kidneys release excess sodium into the urine and can prevent the build up of other minerals that can cause kidney stones if left unchecked.
If you have a pre-existing kidney condition it is vital that you speak to your healthcare provider before using diuretic herbs.

Liver Health
Various studies have confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of Cleavers. It not only protects the liver from damage, it helps it to heal with its cleansing properties. Cleavers also stimulates bile production and prevents bile ducts from becoming clogged.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)
With a long history of traditional use for UTI’s, Cleavers diuretic properties coupled with its soothing, demulcent action make this herb ideal for calming and inflamed urethra. Regular drinking of Cleavers tea can act as a preventative measure for the incidence of recurring UTI’s.

The “Indian Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biotechnology” published an article about the diagnosis, causes, symptoms and treatments of UTI’s. It recommends Cleavers for acute or chronic cystitis with swollen lymph nodes and uterine inflammation.
Cleavers can also be useful in protecting the lining of the bladder against irritation which can lead to an overactive bladder.

Folklore and history
Cleavers was once used for bedding material - hence one of its nickname’s "bedstraw". It is thought that Virgin Mary prepared the manger by making a bed of Cleavers in it for baby Jesus.
The stems used to be fashioned into mat that would serve as a sieve, through which fresh milk could be filtered and infused with the health-giving properties of the plant. In some parts of Sweden, this traditional use continues today.
T
raditional use
Growing prolifically all over the world, it is not surprising that Cleavers has a rich history of traditional use.
Native American tribes used this herb to promote kidney health and as a remedy for gonorrhoea. It was also sometimes used by Native American women to prevent pregnancy.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is used as an anti-inflammatory and to move stagnation. With a strong affiliation for the lymphatic system, Cleavers is also used as a diuretic.
There has been some great research and promoting results pertaining to apoptosis (cell death) and breast cancer, where it rids the cancer cells from the breast tissue, but as always, more research is required.

Cleavers Tea Recipe:
Use 1 cup of boiling water to 2-3 teaspoonfuls of Cleavers.
Leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 times a day for desired effects.

Cleavers Tincture
Take up to 2-4ml, up to 3 times a day, or as directed by a Herbal Practitioner.

Constituents
Cleavers active ingredients include; phenols, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, iridoids asperuloside, alkanes, flavonoids and saponins.

14/08/2025

Australian Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus)

It’s the largest of all fur seals and the
world’s fourth rarest seal species.

Did you know?

They can dive up to 150 m in search of prey.
Although they can breathe on land Australian Fur Seals prefer to live in the water spending weeks feeding at sea.
The mother seal and pups can recognise each other by using a familiar call though I think this one is off target.
Australian Fur Seals, like all seals, can raise their body with their front flippers enabling them to move on land.

The Australian Fur Seal can reach up to 2.5 m in length. The fur colour of Australian Fur Seals also varies between male and female, with the male being dark grey to brown with a paler underside. They have a dark mane of coarse hair over the neck and shoulders.
Females can vary from pale fawn to greyish brown wit paler yellowish throat and underside.
The coat of the Australian Fur Seal is made of a woolly underfur with long coarse outer hairs to trap air. This provides waterproofing and insulation for the seal,along with a layer of fat. They moult each year which means they lose their fur, replacing the old fur with new.
Australian Fur Seals have large eyes with which they can see excellently in the dark. They have a pointed face, whiskers that help them find food and very sharp teeth similar to a bear.
Their flippers are forward facing, allowing them to walk on land. While they appear to mainly shuffle along, Australian Fur Seals can move very quickly if they feel threatened.

We are so lucky to observe them along our coast line in Apollo Bay - of course giving them a wide berth
🦭🦭🦭

10/08/2025

25/07/2025

This stunning crystal was formed by water
after receiving our collective prayer.

Waters from around the world were united,
and as people joined in prayer,
the water responded with breathtaking beauty.

Even the water’s COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) levels changed —
clear evidence that prayer and intention
can shift the quality of water itself.

🌐 A Global Live Broadcast
🎥 Join from anywhere via Zoom
🎤 Live performances and prayer rituals from the Tokyo stage

📅 WORLD WATER FESTIVAL 2025
🗓 July 26 (Sat)
💫 Free online participation open to all!

👇 Learn more & register via the link in bio
[worldwaterfestival.net/2025tokyo/english]