Park Orchards Health & Wellbeing Centre

25/08/2025

Thyroid nodules are common and affect half of the general population by the age of 60 years. The causes are believed to be due to hypothyroidism, mutational changes or autoimmunity. They can be associated with over- or underactivity of the gland and may sometimes be malignant.

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) has been used in Turkey to self-treat thyroid dysfunction such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Now a controlled clinical study has evaluated the impact of dill on patients with thyroiditis and benign thyroid nodules. They were divided into two groups: placebo (n =35) and dill group (n = 33). Dried and ground dill (300 mg) was put into capsules and patients on active treatment were given three capsules per day for 90 days. Various tests were conducted at the beginning and end of the study, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), and C-reactive protein (CRP), and thyroid nodule dimensions were measured by ultrasound.

After 90 days, compared to the control group, the dill group exhibited significantly decreased TSH (by an average of 19% from a mean starting value of 2.69 compared to a 16% increase in the control group, P = 0.009), fT4 (P < 0.001), anti-TPO (P = 0.001), CRP (P < 0.001) and nodule size (by an average of 7.3% compared to a 4.5% increase in the control group, P < 0.001).

The authors concluded that dill suppressed inflammation of the thyroid gland, reduced nodule size, and lowered TSH levels in patients with thyroiditis and nodular goitre. The daily dose used was relatively low and higher doses might deliver a greater magnitude of clinical effects.

For more information see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40329862/

01/08/2025

Celebrating the Return of the Light

Even though the weather is still cold, the days are now growing longer and spring is just around the corner. Halfway between the winter solstice (21st June) and spring equinox (23rd September) is the traditional fire festival of Imbolc, celebrated in the first week of August to honour the rekindling of light and warmth. A time for cleansing and purification, preparing both homes and spirits for the coming of spring.

Imbolc Ritual

To celebrate the return of the light, light a blue candle and place it in the centre of your home. Blue represents peace, wisdom, communication, truth, patience, health and calm. Fill a small bowl with water and add a pinch of salt for protection and purification. Follow this with a few drops of essential oil – something calming like rose, lavender or bergamot is a good choice.

Next, tie together a small bunch of dried herbs and beginning at your front door, dip the herbs in the water and wipe them gently round the door frame. Continue to do this to all doorways and windows in the house to spread protection and peace throughout your home. Once you have finished, place the bowl of water and bunch of herbs next to the candle to anchor the energy and then sit quietly for a few minutes. Once the herbs have dried out, burn them in the candle flame.

30/07/2025

🍵 Green Tea 🍵 and lowered dementia risk 🍵

A new study links drinking green tea with having fewer white matter lesions (WML) in the brains of Japanese seniors, potentially providing a level of protection against dementia. WML are abnormalities in the brain’s white matter (the part of the brain that contains nerve fibres responsible for communication between different brain regions) seen as hyperintense (bright) areas on MRI scans. They generally indicate chronic small vessel (microvascular) disease and are a relatively common finding in an older brain.

Researchers from institutions across Japan teamed up to analyse data on 8,766 volunteers over the age of 65, collected as part of a survey conducted between 2016 and 2018. Self-reported green tea and coffee consumption was cross-referenced against magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans, which measured overall brain volume and features of five different brain regions.

The scientists claimed: “This cross-sectional study found a significant association between lower cerebral white matter lesions and higher green tea consumption, but not coffee consumption, in older adults without dementia, even after adjusting for confounding factors”.

The observed effects were not large. Averaged out, those who had three cups of green tea per day had 3 percent fewer WML compared with those drinking one cup per day. Those who drank seven to eight cups per day had 6 percent fewer lesions, compared to those drinking one cup a day. One cup of tea was equivalent to approximately 200 mL.

WML, indicative of cerebral small vessel disease, are associated with vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD). Larger WML were associated with more severe brain atrophy in patients with AD. Recently, a longitudinal study also identified WML as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline, even after accounting for traditional AD risk factors.

Given previous investigations linking green tea with lower blood pressure, and other studies associating lower blood pressure with a reduced risk of dementia, at least one mechanism responsible for the results could be cardiovascular. Interestingly, the scientists observed a significant relationship between increased green tea intake and decreased white matter lesions in individuals without the ApoE ε4 allele, but not in individuals with the ApoE ε4 allele (p for trend = 0.008 and 0.491, respectively).

I have maintained for some time now that my microcirculation phytonutrient diet will help to protect against brain WML. Now there is clear proof of this for green tea (a key element of the diet). The relatively small protection seen for green tea highlights that, as per the basis of the diet, one single intervention might not be enough on its own.

For more information see: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/green-tea-drinkers-have-fewer-brain-lesions-linked-to-dementia

and

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39774601/

02/07/2025

Very good news indeed!!

Solidteknics Australia - Australian Made Healthy Cookware & Kitchen Tools all the way. They are the best of the best, and will last a few lifetimes..

05/06/2025

✨ CBD ✨

Cannabidiol (CBD) may offer real benefits for young people with autism, improving social interaction and reducing anxiety, without the risk of side effects.

A meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials found that CBD not only enhanced social responsiveness and reduced anxiety, but did so with a safety profile comparable to placebo. The research, presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry in Madrid in April 2025, revealed that the use of CBD cannabis extracts can lead to meaningful benefits and improve the behavior of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three studies were included with 276 participants with a mean age of 10.5, ranging in age from 5 to 21. The dosage of CBD cannabis extract started at 1 mg/kg per day and was titrated up to 10 mg/kg. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was present in minimal amounts or in ratios of 9:1 to 20:1 CBD to THC.

The authors noted that the review’s limitations included a small number of studies, limited sample sizes, and significant heterogeneity. Future research with larger, robust trials is needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of CBD cannabis extracts (especially CBD on its own) in managing ASD.

For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/breakthrough-study-cbd-calms-autism-symptoms-and-improves-social-skills-without-side-effects/

30/05/2025

Yes.

1000 Hours Outside

29/05/2025

I used to think parenting was about having the right strategies - the perfect games to play, the ideal bedtime routine, the best communication techniques.
😬
But I've learned that all the tools in the world don't matter if I'm emotionally hijacked in the moment. When my child pushes back or acts in a certain way, my own childhood experiences of being criticised or feeling overwhelmed can flood back instantly. Suddenly I'm not a calm adult with parenting knowledge - I'm a triggered version of myself, reacting from old wounds rather than responding to what's actually happening right now.
I think we all know this. It's those moments when we loose our centre.
😩
The real work happens in those split seconds when we feel our emotions rising. Can I pause and notice what's happening in my body?
Can I recognise when my inner child feels criticised or when I'm about to repeat patterns from my own upbringing?
The first step is in acknowledging and tracking our reactions.

Our children don't actually need perfect parents; they need parents who are committed to growing alongside them.
✨
If you want support with this, come and join me on my 8 week Parenting Immersion where we explore your stories and beliefs and how we can transform what no longer serves us.
Links in bios...

22/05/2025

Herbs really are the best medicine 🌱✨

I recently reported that a Boswellia extract improved cartilage volume, thickness and joint space width in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), a groundbreaking outcome. This disease modifying effect has now been backed up by a trial showing a similar finding for a combination of Boswellia with celery seed (Apium graveolens). Celery seed is one of my favourites for OA. The randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial was conducted over 90 days in 62 participants using standardised Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (600 mg/day, minimum 240 mg of boswellic acids by HPLC) and celery seed extract (500 mg/day).

Oral administration of the herb combination resulted in prolonged symptomatic relief with reduced pain, stiffness and swelling. Inflammatory (serum IL-7, IL-1, IL-6, hs-CRP, TNF-α, ESR) and cartilage degeneration biomarkers (serum CTX-II, COMP, MMP-3 and urinary CTX-II) were decreased in the herbal group compared to both baseline and placebo. Furthermore, serum N-propeptide of collagen IIA (PIIANP) and procollagen-type-C propeptide (PIICP) levels were increased in the herbal group, suggesting enhanced collagen synthesis contributing to cartilage regeneration. At the given doses for 90 days, there were no adverse effects based on a clinical examination, biochemical, haematological and ECG analysis.

For more information see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39875757/

20/05/2025

I'm honoured to be a part of the Gentle Beginnings virtual birth summit - a partnership between Hygieia Health Ltd and The Reconnected that brings together 25+ birth and infant mental health experts.

The summit is free to attend live, with replays available for 24 hours after each session, while an all-access pass gives lifetime access.

You can register to support this event, which raises funds for Hygieia Health's birth house initiative.

https://thereconnected.com/gentle-beginnings/

20/05/2025

Yep.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40333243/?

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of messenger RNA (mRNA) and inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines on ovarian histology and reserve in rats. Methods: Thirty female Wistar albino rats, aged 16-24 weeks, were randomly divided into three group...

20/05/2025

Needing support with a lovely endorsed midwife and IBCLC lactation Consultant? Bec is also a mum herself, so can help you with empathy and kindness.
Bulk billed consults so all on Medicare.

https://babybusiness.com.au

14/05/2025

Scientists have discovered that norepinephrine, released in rhythmic waves during deep sleep, drives the brain’s glymphatic system, which pumps cerebrospinal fluid to clear toxins. However, sleep aids like zolpidem may disrupt this process, reducing the brain’s cleaning efficiency.

Researchers in Denmark discovered that norepinephrine plays a crucial role in the brain cleaning process, at least in mice. During deep sleep, the brainstem releases waves of norepinephrine roughly every 50 seconds. These waves cause blood vessels in the brain to contract, creating slow, rhythmic pulsations that propel surrounding fluid to carry away waste effectively. The scientists found that norepinephrine waves correlate to variations in brain blood volume, suggesting it triggers a rhythmic pulsation in blood vessels. They then compared the changes in blood volume to brain fluid flow and found that brain fluid flow fluctuates in correspondence to blood volume changes, suggesting that the vessels act as pumps to propel the surrounding brain fluid to flush out waste.

“It’s like turning on the dishwasher before you go to bed and waking up with a clean brain,” says senior author Maiken Nedergaard of the University of Rochester and University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

“You can view norepinephrine as this conductor of an orchestra,” says lead author Natalie Hauglund of the University of Copenhagen and the University of Oxford, UK. “There’s a harmony in the constriction and dilation of the arteries, which then drives the cerebrospinal fluid through the brain to remove the waste products.”
Hauglund then had another question: is all sleep created equal? To find out, the researchers gave mice zolpidem, a common drug to aid sleep. They found that the norepinephrine waves during deep sleep were 50% lower in zolpidem-treated mice than in naturally sleeping mice. Although the zolpidem-treated mice fell asleep faster, fluid transport into the brain dropped by more than 30%. The findings suggest that the sleeping drug may disrupt the norepinephrine-driven waste clearance during sleep.

“More and more people are using sleep medication, and it’s really important to know if that’s healthy sleep,” says Hauglund. “If people aren’t getting the full benefits of sleep, they should be aware of that so they can make informed decisions.”
The team says that the findings likely apply to humans, who also have a glymphatic system, although this needs further testing. Other researchers have observed similar norepinephrine waves, blood flow patterns, and brain fluid flux in humans. Their findings may offer insights into how poor sleep may contribute to neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

For more on this study, see: https://scitechdaily.com/ambiens-hidden-risk-how-zolpidem-may-damage-your-brains-cleanup-system/