Mandara Natural Healing

10/01/2026

09/01/2026

January
The first month of another year.
Many people feel the need to make new resolutions for changes in their life and stressing about how to make those changes. Rushing around thinking about what they need to do, what they need to achieve.
For me it’s a time of year to be in slow down mode. To be quiet, be still and don’t feel the need to rush. Just as nature is asleep, nothing grows nothing moves and all is dormant ready to burst into life at the beginning of spring. So take this time to recharge and be ready to burst into energy when nature once again begins to grow, flourish and bloom.

01/01/2026

A very happy New Year to all my family and friends. May 2026 bring you love joy and happiness.
Reflect on the year gone by and only take with you into the coming year what will serve you for the highest good of all

30/12/2025

Wind down your day with a herbal tea bath

You may be thinking "isn't tea for drinking" well yes it is, however, another great way to absorb the
benefits of herbs is by indulging in a luxurious herb infused bath.
So, rather than taking a quick shower, why not take half hour out of your day to soak in the bath.
You will be amazed at how much you can benefit from such a simple thing as a soak in the tub.

Taking a long soak in the bath soothes you physically and mentally, providing you with some me time. Combining the soothing effects of hot water and the power of herbs to relax your body and absorb the important compounds from the plants. If you have general aches and pains, you can also add some Epsom salts to the bathwater.

Whilst glittery bath bomb add a bit of sparkle,they can be full of chemicals. When I need to unwind and de-stress I prefer to soak in natural ingredients. When making an herbal tea bath you can use any combination of herbs that takes your fancy as there is no set recipe. You want to use enough herbs so that you can smell the aroma whilst you are taking that deserved relax time. There is a couple of ways you can prepare your bath depending on what you prefer.

Throw a couple of handfuls of your chosen herbs directly into the hot bath water, but if you rather not have the herbs floating in the water and have to clean up the mess afterwards, then you can make up a tea bag using a muslin bag about 5x7 inches to put your herbs into. If you would like a stronger herbal bath, you can brew some herbs in a tea pot then add it to the bath water. Just fill the pot with water and bring it to boiling point, put your herbs into the pot and allow to infuse for 20 minutes strain then add it to your bath water. This method is good if you are using barks, roots or woody parts of plants. Hang the tea bag under the tap to allow the hot water to run through it.

Soaking in a warm bath infused with herbs provides a quiet sanctuary in which to retreat and refresh.

The healing properties trapped in the herbs and released by the water can help boost your mood, calm the mind, soothe sore muscle and joints, opens pores, soften skin, and promote more restful sleep.
As the beneficial properties of the herbs are released into the water, a pleasant aroma fills the air which provides soul therapy, skin therapy, and aromatherapy all in one

If you are fortunate to have a garden full of herbs, then great. You can pick your own, if not you can buy most from herbal shops or online.

Below is a list of some of my favourite herbs and their benefits. There are many many more to choose, just find what you like then do some research on the benefits

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) - Helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria. A good source of Vitamins and trace elements, the roots help treat skin disorders and promotes clear skin.

Juniper Berries, (Juniperas communis) Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help balance skin oils and healing effect on acne and inflamed skin conditions. Steam inhalations of juniper berries is an excellent treatment for colds, coughs and excessive phlegm.

Lavender, (Lavendula officinalis) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties that help calm irritated skin, increase blood circulation and promote healing. Lavender is a great calming and relaxing herb for all skin types.

Chamomile, (Matricaria recutita) with its emollient, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties, has a soothing and calming effect on irritated skin. Chamomile provides relief from insect bites, calms nerves, soothes skin and muscles, and promotes healthy, restful sleep. Chamomile is another great bath herb for children. Chamomile relaxes the nervous system making a great bath for nighttime.

Hops, (Humulus lupulus) are calming herbs well known for their natural sedative effect. They help reduce nervous tension, headaches, and insomnia. They soften skin, soothe and calm inflammation and promotes healing.

Lemon Balm, (Melissa officinalis) a mild astringent with antibacterial properties, is great for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps tone, balance and refresh the skin. It cleanses pores and has a soothing effect on sensitive skin. A calming herb, it helps relieve stress and induce sleep.

Peppermint, (Mentha piperita) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. It stimulates nerve endings and increases local blood flow, which may help with dry skin. Mint cools, refreshes, revitalizes, tones and clarifies skin. The aroma of mint leaves may help relieve nasal and chest congestion. The scent of a peppermint or spearmint bath is delightful and uplifting.

Rose Petals, has healing properties that are useful in treating mild inflammation. Rose is particularly beneficial to dry, sensitive skin, it is also great for mature skin as it may help to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. The scent calms and relaxes.

Rosemary, (Rosemarinus officinalis) stimulates blood circulation and is great for dull, lifeless or oily skin. The piney scent will help when you are feeling under the weather or congested. A rosemary bath helps soothe sore muscles and joints. The aches and pains seem to melt away.

25/12/2025

Wishing all my customers and followers of Mandara Health a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New year 🎄

19/07/2025

Mercury in Retrograde.

The second retrograde of 2025 has arrived to deliver us some Summer mayhem.
It began 17th July and ends 10th August.

So, what exactly is Mercury in Retrograde? it is a fascinating cosmic phenomenon, and during this astrological event over a three week period, the planet Mercury appears to be rotating backward in its orbit. Mercury orbits the Sun in just 88 days opposed to the Earth’s 365 days, creating this optical illusion that impacts various aspects of our lives.

Mercury is the planet that rules the mind, intellect, communication, travel, mental clarity and common sense, so it stands to reason that these functions would become the most vulnerable during the retrograde period. Mercury in retrograde affects everyone, albeit in varying degrees.

Here are just a few examples of retrograde chaos.

Falling out with friends.
Travel, logic and communication getting disrupted.
Technology glitches, such as emails and messages getting lost.
Flight being delayed.
Brain fog.
Anxiety.
Confusions around work projects.
Headaches.
Miscommunication.
Experiencing misunderstandings.

However, Mercury retrograde, despite its challenges, offers valuble lessons and opportunities for personal development. By embracing these lessons, we can make the most of this cosmic phenomenon.

To help you navigate this cosmic phenomenon with grace and ease, here are some practical tips:

Do
Slow down and take your time
Take time communicating. Double check you emails, messages and letters before you send them.
Be patient ad understanding with others. Misunderstandings are more common during this period.
Be flexible and adaptable.
Think before you speak or act.
Finish current projects.
Reorganise and clean up spaces.
Reflect on your goals.
Plan for the future.

Don’t
Rush into important decisions.
Sign contracts too quickly.
Launch new projects without thinking.
Make major purchases.
Travel when it can be avoided.
Argue with others.
Be too hard on yourself.
Let stress overwhelm you.
Engage in confrontational discussions.

I like to use certain herbal teas and crystals during Mercury retrograde to help create a sense of peace and calm. When we arent grounded we can feel drained, unfocused and leave ourselves vulnerable to negative, low vibrational energies. These 3 herbs are great for calming the nerves.

Lavender Tea - Excellent herb for stimulating the throat chakra, helping us to communicate and express ourselves.
Sage Tea - Helps to anchor our mind, body and spirit to the now and keeps us grounded and centered.
Lemon Balm Tea - Is a great tea to help you release any stress or anxiety, or just to help you wind down.

My go to Crystals during Mercury retrograde are:

Labradorite - For emotional stability and grounding.
Shungite - To minimise EMFs and harmful effects of technology devices.
Lapis Lazuli - To help support honest communication.
Quartz- Helps bring clarity and focus, removes any blockages in your path.
Carry these crystals in your purse bag of pocket when you need them, of place under your pillow. Be sure to cleanse and charge them before us.

18/06/2025

Butterfly Pea Flower: The Vibrant Bloom with Ancient Roots and Modern Benefits

The butterfly pea flower, known scientifically as Clitoria ternatea, is a strikingly vibrant plant recognised for its deep indigo blue petals. Native to Southeast Asia, this flowering vine has captivated attention for centuries, not only because of its aesthetic beauty but also due to its wide range of applications in traditional medicine, culinary practices, and modern herbalism. Often referred to as Asian pigeonwings, blue pea, or aparajita in India, this plant has found a significant place in various traditional healing systems including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Thai herbal medicine.

Botanical Overview

Butterfly pea is a perennial plant in the Fabaceae (legume) family. It is a fast-growing, climbing vine with characteristic bright blue, trumpet-shaped flowers, though white varieties also exist. The flower’s unique colouration comes from anthocyanins, a compound called ternatin, which not only lends it a deep hue but also contributes to its antioxidant properties. The plant grows well in tropical climates and is cultivated widely across India, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Historical and Cultural Background

The name Clitoria ternatea was assigned by European botanists due to the flower’s resemblance to the female anatomy. In local cultures, the plant has been revered for its sacred and healing qualities. In India, it is called Shankhpushpi in Ayurveda and Aparajita in Hindu tradition, where it is used in religious offerings and ceremonies. In Thailand, it is known as Dok Anchan, and the vibrant blue extract is traditionally used to colour rice and beverages. Historically, the flower was not only admired for its beauty but employed for a multitude of practical purposes. In Southeast Asia, it was used as a natural food dye long before synthetic alternatives were available. The blue dye is pH-sensitive and changes colour when mixed with an acid substance such as lemon or lime juice. Watch the magic happen as it turns from deep blue to pinkish purple,

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Across various traditional medical systems, butterfly pea has been used as a brain tonic, adaptogen, memory enhancer, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Ayurvedic Medicine

In Ayurveda, butterfly pea is categorized under Medhya Rasayana, a class of herbs that promote cognitive function. It is used to support mental clarity, boost memory, and combat stress and anxiety. The root is considered particularly potent and is used in powders and decoctions. Ayurvedic practitioners believe it balances the Vata and Pitta doshas, aiding in nervous system health and emotional balance.

Traditional Thai Medicine.

Thai herbalists have long used butterfly pea flower for its reputed benefits to hair and skin. It is believed to promote hair growth and prevent greying. The flower extract is often added to shampoos and conditioners. Traditionally, it was also used to treat eye ailments and improve night vision, an effect possibly attributed to the high anthocyanin content. Many Hotels in Thailand offer their customers a welcome cup of pea tea, served iced cold and usually in a copper cup.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Though less commonly used in TCM compared to Ayurveda, the butterfly pea is recognized for its cooling properties and its ability to treat ailments associated with heat and inflammation. It is sometimes included in herbal blends aimed at detoxifying the liver and improving blood circulation.

Modern Scientific Insights

In recent decades, butterfly pea has attracted the attention of scientists and herbalists alike, who seek to validate its traditional uses through modern research. Many of its benefits have been attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, which includes flavonoids, anthocyanins (particularly ternatin), triterpenoids, and alkaloids.

Antioxidant Properties:

Studies have shown that butterfly pea exhibits significant antioxidant activity, helping neutralise free radicals that can cause cellular damage. This is largely due to its anthocyanin content. Antioxidants are crucial in reducing oxidative stress, which is implicated in aging, cancer, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Cognitive and Neurological Benefits:

Butterfly pea has shown promise in improving memory and cognitive function in animal studies. One study demonstrated that extracts of Clitoria ternatea helped enhance memory and learning in mice, supporting its traditional use as a nootropic (a cognitive enhancer). The mechanism is believed to involve acetylcholine activity in the brain, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects:

The plant’s extracts have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and mild pain-relieving effects, potentially useful in managing conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases. The root, in particular, contains compounds that may reduce inflammation markers.

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects:

Preliminary research suggests butterfly pea may have mood-boosting properties. Animal models have indicated that extracts from the flower can produce calming effects, potentially acting on the GABA receptors in the brain, similar to how some anti-anxiety drugs work.

Antimicrobial and Anti-diabetic Properties:

Butterfly pea extracts have shown antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. Additionally, some studies suggest it may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it .a candidate for further investigation in diabetes management.

Culinary and Cosmetic Uses

Beyond medicine, butterfly pea has made a graceful leap into the culinary world. In Thailand and Vietnam, it is used to colour sticky rice, drinks, and desserts. Its colour changing property, turning purple with lemon or lime juice, makes it a favourite in herbal teas and cocktails. Commercially, it is now available in powdered or dried form, often marketed as a superfood tea. In cosmetics, butterfly pea is found in skincare products for its supposed anti-aging and soothing properties. Its antioxidants are believed to support collagen synthesis, fight free radicals, and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Safety and Contraindications

Generally regarded as safe for most people, butterfly pea flower is consumed widely in food and beverages without known side effects. However, as with any herb, it should be used cautiously by pregnant or breastfeeding women and people on medications for diabetes or blood pressure, as it may interact with such treatments. Long-term safety studies in humans are still limited, and those with medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before regular use.

Curious to add Butterfly Pea Flower to your routine? Here are just a few easy ways ti incorporate it into your daily living.

Butterfly Pea dried flowers and powder can be purchased online or in some herb shops.

Butterfly Pea Tea

This beautiful blue brew is packed with compounds that offer a variety of wellness benefits: Rich in Antioxidants, Supports Brain health, Mood boosting and stress relieving,

In a herb tea pot or herb strainer, add 2 teaspoons of dried flowers, cover with boiling water ( preferably filtered or bottled water) steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into a tea cup and enjoy. You can add honey to give a slightly sweeter taste. Alternatively, serve it iced cold, put it in fridge until cold, serve in a glass with crushed ice, add lemon juice and watch the magic happen.

Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

1 cup of Butterfly tea (cooled)

1 cup of lemonade

Pour lemonade over Ice in a clear

Slowly pour the tea over the lemonade for a layered effect

Stir to watch the colour change.

Butterfly Pea Cocktail

1 oz of chilled tea

2 oz gin or vodka

1 oz lime juice

1 oz simple syrup

Shake lime juice, syrup and alcohol with Ice

Pour into a glass, then slowly add the tea.

Butterfly pea flower Matcha lemonade

Lemonade Ingredients

1 cup of water

1/2 cup of sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice (1lemon)

Butterfly pea ingredients
2 teaspoons butterfly Pea flower
1 cup of water

Matcha Ingredients
2 teaspoons matcha
1 cup cold water.

To make lemonade
Add sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer until sugar has completely dissolved, around 3 minutes. Take off the heat, let cool, stir in lemon juice.

To make pea tea
Steep the flowers in hot water for about 5 minutes, the longer you steep the darker the blue tea will be. Discard the flowers, and let cool.

To make match
In a wide-mouth water bottle, pour in cold water then matcha. Close lid and shake for 10 seconds.

Assemble the drink
Fill 2 glasses with ice, pour in the butterfly tea about 1/3 of the way for each cup. Pour in the lemonade until it reaches 2/3 of the cup, then top each cup with matcha
Stir before drinking.

Have you tried butterfly pea tea yet. if so, share your thoughts in the comments box with your creations

13/06/2025

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted on my page, It has been a very busy 2025 for me so far. We went to India and Thailand for 2 months during Feb and March, back in U.K. for 4 weeks then 6 weeks in Spain
My feet haven’t touched the ground. Now I’m back for a good few months and excited to share with you some great natural
remedies I have found on my journey. India the land of Ayurvedic Medicine and Thailand for its medicinal cuisine and spirituality
Look out for my next post
On the medicinal benefits of butterfly pea flower

25/01/2025

Feel a cold coming on,
Try my
Herbal Hot Shot

You never know if or when you’re going to be struck down with the dreaded cold especially in the cold winter months. I find it’s always a good idea to have these ingredients in your kitchen cupboard when the need arises.
Best to drink at the very first signs of a cold coming on.

1 teaspoon raw honey
1teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with mother
Juice of half a lemon
Sprinkle of turmeric
Hot water (preferably spring water )
Put ingredients in a cup of your choice, add off the boil water, stir and drink 2 to three cups per day until symptoms subside.

01/01/2025

As the clock strikes twelve
we are beckoned through the door into a new year.
Go forward slowly, no need to rush, everything is waiting for you.
What will you be taking with you, and what will you be leaving behind?

Here awaits a blank canvas for you to fill with new experiences, paint it brightly, live it joyously.
Welcome each trial and accept every tribulation as they unfold.
Carry yourself with grace
and in difficult times, look to the wisdom you have gained so far, to accompany you through.

In a short while new buds will be appearing and fresh growth will resume in all it's glory. Bask in the beauty that each season
will inevitably bring.
Celebrate each gift and mourn each loss, all is part of the wheel of life so generously given to each of us.
Remember to give thanks for each and every new blessing coming your way,
So go now, the door is open, the future awaits
A new year has been gifted.

Happy New Year to you all

24/12/2024

A very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our customers and followers

26/11/2024

Ashwaganda Milk

Ashwaganda Milk is comfort in a cup. For thousands of years, this adaptogenic herb has been treasured in India for its ability to promote a healthy response to stress, create a sense of calm, and promote well-being.

Ingredients:

12 ounces milk of your choice
1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried ashwagandha root,
2 pitted dates, sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and hear over low to medium heat. Bring to a boil. Turn down the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain and pour into your favourite cup
Enjoy